Description
Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish featuring scrambled eggs cooked gently with fresh tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and fragrant spices. This flavorful and comforting dish is perfectly paired with crusty bread for a satisfying meal any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper (or Anaheim or Holland pepper), cored, seeded, and chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 vine-ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper, plus more for garnish
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional for spice
- 1 French baguette, thickly sliced (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and green peppers. Season with kosher salt. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly until the vegetables are softened but the onions are not browned.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with additional kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and Aleppo pepper. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften while still holding their shape.
- Cook the eggs: Push the tomato and pepper mixture to one side of the pan. Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the skillet and cook briefly, gently stirring as needed, until the eggs are just set but still creamy. Then fold the tomato mixture into the eggs to combine.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the dish and sprinkle with extra Aleppo pepper and crushed red pepper flakes if desired for added heat. Serve immediately with thick slices of French baguette for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Aleppo pepper adds a mild, fruity heat; substitute with paprika or chili flakes if unavailable.
- Cook eggs gently to keep them soft and creamy.
- Serve menemen hot, as it is best enjoyed fresh off the stove.
- Optional: Serve with crusty bread or pita to scoop up the eggs and tomato mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
Keywords: Menemen, Turkish scrambled eggs, Turkish breakfast, tomato eggs, shakshuka style eggs, Mediterranean breakfast, eggs with peppers and tomatoes
