Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning to the vibrant aroma of sizzling tomatoes and peppers mingling with the creamy richness of eggs—it’s like the sun decided to make breakfast. Menemen, a traditional Turkish dish, brings warmth and comfort straight to your plate. A nostalgic nod to simpler times, this recipe is your ticket to a culinary hug, weaving memories of my travels through Istanbul’s bustling markets where each taste was an adventure.
Steps
- Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and green peppers, season with kosher salt, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened, stirring regularly.
- Add chopped tomatoes and 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to the skillet. Season with additional kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, and Aleppo pepper. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften but still maintain their shape.
- Push the tomato and pepper mixture to one side of the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the beaten eggs. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are just set.
- Once the eggs are set, fold the tomato mixture into them and mix gently to combine. Be careful not to overcook the eggs during this step.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. For additional heat, sprinkle more Aleppo pepper and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with thick slices of hearty bread.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper (or Anaheim or Holland peppers), cored, seeded, and chopped
- Kosher salt
- 2 vine-ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (and more for later use)
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
- 1 French baguette, thickly sliced (optional, for serving)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 658.8kcal | Carbohydrates: 37.2g | Protein: 28.8g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 9.6g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 654.8mg | Sodium: 1845.6mg | Potassium: 1733.6mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 20.8g | Vitamin A: 4784IU | Vitamin C: 148mg | Calcium: 201.2mg | Iron: 6.8mg
FAQ
- What is Menemen?
- Menemen is a traditional Turkish dish featuring soft scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and sometimes onions. It’s named after the town of Menemen in Turkey and is enjoyed for its simplicity and delightful mix of flavors.
- How is Menemen different from Shakshuka?
- While Menemen and Shakshuka share ingredients like eggs, tomatoes, peppers, and onions, the key difference lies in preparation. In Menemen, the eggs are scrambled, whereas in Shakshuka, the eggs are poached on top of the tomato mixture, creating a distinct texture and appearance.
- What are some tips for making the best Menemen?
- To make delicious Menemen, start with high-quality ingredients, such as firm, fragrant tomatoes and fresh peppers. Cook the eggs gently over medium-low heat to ensure they remain moist and tender, and serve with thick slices of crusty bread for dipping.
- Can Menemen be served for meals other than breakfast?
- Absolutely! Menemen is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for brunch, lunch, or dinner. It pairs well with sides like potato pancakes or simply with a hearty bread, making it suitable for any time of day.
- What can I add to Menemen for more flavor?
- To enhance the flavor of Menemen, you can incorporate Aleppo-style pepper for a hint of sweetness and mild heat, or add a pinch of hot red pepper flakes for extra spice. A drizzle of quality olive oil at the end also adds richness to the dish.
Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh, high-quality produce for the best flavor. Choose firm green bell peppers and tomatoes that are smooth, fragrant, and heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. Opt for premium extra-virgin olive oil to enhance the richness and taste of the dish.
- Cook Eggs Gently: To achieve the perfect texture, scramble the eggs over medium-low heat until just set. The eggs should remain moist and tender without becoming dry or overcooked.
- Pair with Hearty Bread: Serve menemen with thick slices of a hearty, country-style bread. A bread with a good texture and crisp crust is ideal for soaking up the flavorful sauce and eggs.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: After cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of Aleppo-style pepper or hot red pepper flakes for a little extra heat and flavor before serving.
Equipment
- 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet – While any skillet or pan of similar size can be used, a cast iron skillet is recommended for optimal cooking.
- Aleppo Pepper – This specific spice might not be common in all households and can be purchased online.
- Wooden Spoon – Useful for gently folding the tomato mixture into the eggs.
