Name: Menemen (Turkish Egg Scramble) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small white onion, finely diced; 1 large green bell pepper, diced (or substitute poblano or Anaheim pepper); 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juices; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or substitute with 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes); Fine sea salt, to taste; Freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste; 3-4 eggs; Sliced chives or chopped parsley; Crumbled feta cheese; Sliced avocado

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Introduction

Menemen is a delicious Turkish egg scramble bursting with the flavors of tomatoes, peppers, and aromatic spices. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for breakfast or a light meal, served warm with crusty bread for dipping.

A white bowl filled with a colorful, chunky stew made of soft eggs mixed with diced red tomatoes and green bell peppers. On the right side of the bowl, three slices of bright yellow-green avocado are neatly placed and sprinkled with black pepper. A woman's hand holds a rustic, crusty slice of toasted bread with a holey, airy texture, gently dipping it into the stew on the left side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, giving the whole image a fresh and clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small white onion, finely diced
1 large green bell pepper, diced (or poblano/Anaheim pepper)
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne/red pepper flakes)
Fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste
3-4 eggs
Optional garnishes: sliced chives or chopped parsley, crumbled feta, sliced avocado

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and green pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Step 2: Reduce heat to medium. Add the canned tomatoes with their juices, butter, Aleppo pepper, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2 more minutes until the tomatoes are hot.
Step 3: Crack the eggs directly over the tomato mixture. Let them cook undisturbed for about 1 minute, then gently break the yolks with a spoon and partially stir the eggs into the tomato mixture, leaving some swirls visible.
Step 4: Continue cooking the eggs until they are just set but still soft, about 3 to 4 minutes in total. Adjust the doneness to your preference.
Step 5: Serve immediately with your choice of garnishes such as chives, parsley, feta, or avocado, alongside crusty bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

If you can’t find Aleppo pepper, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to add a mild heat.
For a spicier kick, use Anaheim pepper instead of green bell pepper.
Partially stirring the eggs keeps a nice creamy texture with swirls rather than fully scrambled eggs.

Storage

Menemen is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the eggs, or microwave briefly until warmed through.

How to Serve

A close-up of a skillet filled with shakshuka, showing a bright red tomato sauce base with chunks of green bell peppers scattered throughout. The dish has three visible layers: the red chunky sauce layer with tomato pieces and peppers, a middle layer of cooked eggs with bright yellow yolks partly covered by the sauce, and a garnish layer sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and black pepper. The skillet is silver, placed on a white marbled texture, and the colors and textures of the dish are vibrant and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. Make sure to dice them finely and cook a bit longer to soften and release their juices. You may need to add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

What can I serve with menemen?

Menemen pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pita, or flatbread for dipping. You can also serve it alongside fresh salads or pickled vegetables for a fuller meal.