Menemen: Turkish Spicy Egg and Vegetable Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Menemen is a delicious Turkish dish featuring eggs cooked with fresh vegetables and spices. It’s quick to make and perfect for a comforting breakfast or light meal. The combination of tomatoes, peppers, and eggs creates a rich, flavorful dish everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup bell peppers (red and green), chopped
• 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon paprika or red pepper flakes for spice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prep your ingredients by chopping the onions and bell peppers and dicing the tomatoes.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent, about 3 minutes, then add the bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer until the mixture thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Crack the eggs into the skillet and gently stir until they are softly scrambled but still slightly runny, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook.
5. Step 5: For an extra kick, sprinkle paprika or red pepper flakes over the top before serving.
6. Step 6: Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor or substitute with canned diced tomatoes in winter.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to brighten the dish.
• For a creamier texture, stir in a bit of crumbled feta cheese just before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers.

Storage

Store leftover menemen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the eggs. It’s best enjoyed fresh but still tasty when reheated carefully.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make menemen ahead of time?

Menemen is best served fresh for the soft texture of the eggs. However, you can prepare the sautéed vegetables in advance and add the eggs right before serving.

What can I serve menemen with besides bread?

Menemen pairs well with fresh salad, olives, or alongside grilled meats for a heartier meal.

Menemen: Turkish Spicy Egg and Vegetable Skillet Recipe

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Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish made with eggs, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers sautéed in olive oil. This flavorful and hearty skillet dish is perfect for a comforting morning meal and can be customized with spices such as paprika or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Served warm with crusty bread, Menemen offers a simple yet delicious way to start your day.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Turkish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup bell peppers (red and green), chopped
• 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced

Eggs

• 4 large eggs

Others

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon paprika or red pepper flakes for spice

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Chop the onions and bell peppers finely and dice the ripe tomatoes to prepare all the vegetables for cooking.
2. Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Cook Bell Peppers: Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet with the onions and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften.
4. Add Tomatoes and Season: Stir in the diced tomatoes, then season the mixture with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for around 5 minutes until the tomatoes have thickened slightly and melded well with the other vegetables.
5. Cook the Eggs: Crack the eggs directly into the skillet. Gently stir the mixture to softly scramble the eggs, cooking for approximately 2 minutes until they are softly set but still slightly runny. Be careful not to overcook to maintain a creamy texture.
6. Add Spice (Optional): For extra flavor and heat, sprinkle paprika or red pepper flakes over the top before serving.
7. Serve: Serve the Menemen warm, ideally with crusty bread for dipping and enjoying the flavorful mixture.

Notes

• Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor in the sauce.
• Adjust the quantity of paprika or red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
• Serve immediately as Menemen is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
• Crusty bread or pita pairs excellently for dipping into the soft scrambled eggs and vegetable mixture.
• This dish can be easily made vegetarian by avoiding any additions of meat.
• For a dairy-free and gluten-free breakfast option, Menemen is an excellent choice.

Keywords: Menemen, Turkish breakfast, scrambled eggs with vegetables, easy breakfast recipe, traditional Turkish dish, eggs and tomatoes