Turkish Menemen (Eggs Scrambled with Tomatoes and Peppers)
A traditional Turkish delight, Menemen is a scrumptious, savory egg dish cooked with ripe tomatoes, vibrant bell peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices. This one-pan wonder offers a heartwarming breakfast, but can also serve as a satisfying mezze or dinner, embracing the simplicity and healthful approach of Mediterranean cuisine.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs approx. 300g
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 30ml
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped approx. 150g
- 1 red bell pepper, diced approx. 150g
- 1 green bell pepper, diced approx. 150g
- 2 cloves garlic, minced approx. 10g
- 3 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced approx. 450g
- 1 teaspoon Turkish red pepper flakes or chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 15g
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled optional
Instructions
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and lightly beat them. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Mix in the diced red and green bell peppers, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until they soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Cook the mixture until the tomatoes are soft and begin to create a sauce, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour the beaten eggs over the tomato and pepper mixture. Let the eggs sit for a minute before gently stirring to combine with the vegetables.
- Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are fully cooked but still soft and creamy, about 5 minutes.
- If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the cooked menemen.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread or pita.
Notes
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Turkish red pepper flakes.
To keep this dish vegetarian, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Menemen is traditionally served directly from the skillet it's cooked in, making for a rustic and communal dining experience.
For a vegan version, substitute eggs with a tofu scramble, adjusting the cooking time as needed.