Description
Turkish Eggs, or Cilbir, is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish featuring creamy garlic-infused yogurt topped with perfectly poached eggs, finished with a fragrant spiced butter drizzle made from chili flakes and smoked paprika. This simple yet elegant recipe highlights fresh herbs like dill and mint, offering a vibrant and comforting start to your day.
Ingredients
Yogurt Mixture
- 1 cup Greek or Turkish yogurt
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- A handful of fresh dill, chopped
- A handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Poached Eggs
- 2 fresh eggs
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (for poaching eggs)
Spiced Butter
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Yogurt: In a bowl, combine the Greek or Turkish yogurt with the minced garlic and the chopped fresh dill and mint. Mix thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Season the Yogurt: Add a pinch of salt and some freshly ground pepper to taste, mixing again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Poach the Eggs: Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil, then add the vinegar to the water. This helps the egg whites to coagulate better during poaching.
- Create a Vortex: Use a spoon to stir the boiling water, creating a gentle whirlpool or vortex in the center of the pot.
- Add the Eggs: Crack each egg carefully into the center of the vortex one at a time. The swirling water helps the egg white wrap around the yolk for a neat poached egg.
- Cook the Eggs: Let the eggs poach for approximately 2-3 minutes for a runny yolk or longer if you prefer firmer yolks.
- Make the Spiced Butter: While the eggs are poaching, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chili flakes and smoked paprika, stirring constantly until the butter is aromatic and the spices are well combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread the prepared yogurt mixture evenly on your serving plates or a single large plate.
- Top with Eggs and Butter: Gently place the poached eggs on top of the yogurt layer, then drizzle the spiced butter generously over the eggs.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing the dish with additional fresh mint and dill leaves. Serve immediately while the eggs are warm and enjoy this flavorful breakfast treat.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs for the best poaching results.
- The vinegar in poaching water helps the egg whites hold together better.
- Adjust chili flakes to taste depending on your spice preference.
- This dish is best served immediately after preparation.
- You can substitute fresh herbs based on availability, such as parsley instead of mint or dill.