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Menemen (Turkish Egg Scramble) Recipe

4.5 from 76 reviews

Menemen is a traditional Turkish egg scramble featuring sautéed onions, green peppers, and juicy tomatoes, seasoned with Aleppo pepper and butter. This flavorful and comforting dish is perfect for breakfast or any meal, served with crusty bread and optional garnishes like feta cheese and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 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

Seasonings & Additions

  • 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

Eggs

  • 34 eggs

Optional Garnishes

  • Sliced chives or chopped parsley
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Sliced avocado

Instructions

  1. Sauté the veggies: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and diced green bell pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  2. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices along with butter, Aleppo pepper, and a generous pinch of fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well and continue to sauté for 2 more minutes until the tomatoes are heated through and flavors meld.
  3. Add the eggs: Crack the eggs directly over the tomato and vegetable mixture. Let sit undisturbed for about 1 minute to start setting. Then gently break the yolks with a spoon and partially stir the eggs into the pan, leaving some swirled and soft. Cook until the eggs are just barely set but still soft, about 3 to 4 minutes total, depending on your desired doneness.
  4. Serve: Remove the pan from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with sliced chives, parsley, crumbled feta, or avocado if desired. Offer crusty sliced bread on the side for dipping and enjoying the flavorful sauce.

Notes

  • Green pepper substitute: If Turkish-style green peppers aren’t available, use a large green bell pepper, poblano, or Anaheim pepper to achieve authentic flavor and texture.
  • Aleppo pepper substitute: In absence of Aleppo pepper, combine 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika with a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust heat to taste.
  • Menemen is best enjoyed freshly cooked, as the eggs remain soft and creamy.
  • Serve with warm, crusty bread to scoop up the delicious mixture.

Keywords: menemen, Turkish egg scramble, Turkish breakfast, eggs with tomatoes, Aleppo pepper recipe, easy breakfast, Mediterranean eggs