Description
Menemen is a traditional Turkish dish that combines scrambled eggs, tomatoes, and peppers in a flavorful, savory broth. Quick and easy to make, this comforting dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 medium green peppers, chopped (Turkish peppers or any sweet green pepper)
4 large tomatoes, peeled and diced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon paprika
4 medium eggs
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Peppers: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped green peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until they begin to soften.
- Add the Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes to the pan with the peppers. Season with salt and paprika. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes become tender and release their juices.
- Beat and Add the Eggs: In a bowl, beat the eggs gently. Pour the beaten eggs over the cooked tomato mixture in the pan. Stir gently and continuously so that the eggs spread and cook evenly.
- Cook the Eggs: Let the eggs cook for about 5 minutes. Be sure not to overcook them, as Menemen should remain moist and slightly creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat and garnish with red pepper flakes, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Serve immediately, preferably with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
Onions can be added to the dish by sautéing them with the peppers for extra flavor and sweetness.
You can use any mild, sweet pepper in place of green peppers, such as bell peppers.
For a vegan version, replace the eggs with tofu or a chickpea-based egg substitute.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers.
Add a splash of milk or cream to the eggs for a creamier texture, or serve with a dollop of yogurt.
While Menemen is traditionally served with bread, you can serve it with rice, pita, or in a wrap.
If using canned tomatoes, drain them to avoid excess liquid in the dish.
For meal prep, you can prepare the tomato and pepper mixture ahead of time and finish the dish with eggs when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
