Description
Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish featuring scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and aromatic spices. This flavorful, hearty dish is quick to prepare and often served with crusty bread, making it a perfect savory start to the day.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Spices
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add green bell peppers: Stir in the finely chopped green bell pepper and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the pepper softens and tenderizes.
- Cook tomatoes and spices: Add the chopped tomatoes, ground paprika, and optional ground cumin to the skillet. Cook the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and create a saucy consistency.
- Reduce heat and add eggs: Lower the heat to low. Crack the eggs directly into the tomato mixture without stirring. Let the eggs cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until the whites begin to set around the edges.
- Scramble eggs gently: Gently stir the eggs into the tomato mixture to create soft scrambled eggs. Cook until the eggs are just set but still slightly soft and creamy. Be careful not to overcook.
- Season and garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve the menemen hot, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato and egg mixture.
Notes
- For a richer taste, add a tablespoon of butter with the olive oil at the start.
- Consider adding spicy peppers for heat or feta cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Cook eggs gently to maintain a slightly runny, soft scrambled consistency.
