Menemen

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Menemen comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or a speedy meal.
  • Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of ripe tomatoes, sautéed peppers, and eggs creates a hearty and delicious dish.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it plain or customize with additions like Turkish sausage (sujuk), cheese, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
  • Healthy: Packed with vegetables and protein, menemen is a nutritious option to start your day.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 green peppers (Turkish sivri biber or green bell peppers), chopped
  • 2 large tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
  • 4 large eggs
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (pul biber or Aleppo pepper), to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion (if using) and sauté until translucent.
    • Stir in the green peppers and cook until they soften.
  2. Add Tomatoes:
    • Incorporate the chopped tomatoes into the skillet.
    • Cook until the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes saucy.
  3. Add Eggs:
    • In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
    • Pour the eggs over the tomato and pepper mixture.
    • Gently stir to combine, cooking until the eggs are just set but still creamy.
  4. Season and Serve:
    • Adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes as desired.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
    • Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe serves 2 to 3 people.
  • Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
  • Cooking Time: About 15 minutes.

Variations

  • With Cheese: Add crumbled feta or grated Turkish kaşar cheese just before the eggs are fully cooked for a creamy texture.
  • With Sujuk: Include slices of Turkish sausage for a spicier version.
  • Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or mint for added freshness.
  • Spicier Menemen: Use hot green peppers or increase the amount of red pepper flakes to elevate the heat level.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Allow menemen to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the eggs.

FAQs

What is menemen?

Menemen is a traditional Turkish dish made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and spices, often enjoyed for breakfast.

Is menemen similar to shakshuka?

While both dishes feature eggs and tomatoes, menemen involves scrambling the eggs with the vegetables, whereas shakshuka typically has poached eggs atop a chunky tomato sauce.

Can I add onions to menemen?

Yes, adding onions is common, though some traditional recipes omit them. It’s a matter of personal preference.

What type of peppers are used in menemen?

Turkish green peppers like sivri biber are traditional, but green bell peppers can be used as a substitute.

Is menemen spicy?

Menemen can be mildly spicy, depending on the type of peppers and amount of red pepper flakes used. You can adjust the heat to your liking.

Can I make menemen without tomatoes?

Tomatoes are a key ingredient in menemen, providing the base for the dish. Omitting them would significantly alter the traditional flavor.

How do I prevent the eggs from overcooking?

Cook the eggs over medium heat and remove from heat while they’re still slightly runny, as they will continue to cook in the residual heat.

What sides pair well with menemen?

Menemen is often served with crusty bread and can be accompanied by olives, cheese, and fresh vegetables for a complete Turkish breakfast.

Can I prepare menemen in advance?

Menemen is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the vegetable base ahead of time and add freshly scrambled eggs when ready to serve.

Is menemen suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the basic menemen recipe is vegetarian. Ensure any added ingredients, like sausage, align with


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Menemen


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 2–3
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

“Traditional Turkish Menemen recipe – a flavorful and quick dish made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and optional onions. Perfect for breakfast or a versatile meal any time of the day!”

 


Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 green peppers (Turkish sivri biber or green bell peppers), chopped
  • 2 large tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
  • 4 large eggs
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (pul biber or Aleppo pepper), to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the chopped onion (if using) and sauté until translucent.
    • Stir in the green peppers and cook until softened.
  2. Add Tomatoes:
    • Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet.
    • Cook until the tomatoes break down and form a saucy consistency.
  3. Add Eggs:
    • Lightly beat the eggs in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper.
    • Pour the eggs over the tomato and pepper mixture.
    • Gently stir until the eggs are just set but still creamy.
  4. Season and Serve:
    • Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
    • Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

  • Cheese Variation: Add crumbled feta or grated Turkish kaşar cheese before the eggs are fully set for a creamier dish.
  • Spicy Twist: Use hot green peppers or increase red pepper flakes for more heat.
  • Sausage Addition: Add slices of Turkish sujuk (sausage) for a heartier option.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Turkish

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