Menemen Recipe: Turkish Style Egg Scramble with Bell Peppers
Menemen, a beloved dish from Turkey, embodies the essence of a simple yet flavorful breakfast, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. This vibrant egg scramble, infused with the goodness of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, is sure to invigorate your mornings. The combination of bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices creates a beautiful balance, and it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Eggs | 4 Whole Eggs |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 Onion |
| Tomatoes (blanched, skin peeled and chopped) | 2 Tomatoes |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1/2 cup |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum, finely chopped) | 1/2 Red Bell Pepper |
| Yellow Bell Pepper (Capsicum, finely chopped) | 1/2 Yellow Bell Pepper |
| Paprika Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Corns (ground) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | For cooking |
| Chives (finely chopped) | 2 sprigs |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 300 |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | Varies |
Preparation Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Course: World Breakfast
- Diet: Eggetarian
Instructions
To embark on your Menemen journey, start by preparing all your ingredients. Gather and finely chop the ginger, garlic, onion, and bell peppers. For the tomatoes, blanch them in a saucepan filled with hot water for about 30 seconds or until the skin starts to crack. Drain the tomatoes, then rinse them under cold running water to cool them down. Carefully peel off the skins and chop the tomatoes into small pieces, setting them aside for later use.
Next, heat a saucepan over medium heat, drizzling in some extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped ginger and garlic, sautéing them until they soften and release their delightful aroma. Introduce the chopped onion to the pan and continue to sauté until the onions turn a lovely golden brown.
Add in the finely chopped yellow and red bell peppers, stirring them until they become slightly crunchy yet tender. Once the peppers are ready, add the blanched tomatoes to the pan and sauté for an additional two minutes, allowing their flavors to meld together.
Incorporate the homemade tomato puree along with the paprika powder, dried oregano, ground black pepper, cumin powder, and salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let them cook on low heat until the tomatoes are thoroughly cooked and flavorful.
Now it’s time for the stars of the dish: the eggs. Carefully break each egg into the pan, one by one, taking care not to disturb them too much initially. After a few moments, use a spatula to gently stir the eggs into the tomato mixture, allowing the eggs to cook softly and meld with the flavors of the vegetables.
Continue to cook on low heat, gently moving the skillet as needed to ensure even cooking of the eggs until they are just set but still soft and creamy.
Once your Turkish Menemen is ready, remove it from the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve this delightful dish hot, paired with a freshly baked focaccia bread, a side of seasonal fruits, and a steaming cup of coffee to complete your morning feast.
Serving Suggestions
The Menemen Recipe – Turkish Style Egg Scramble with Bell Peppers is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The vibrant colors and rich flavors will transform your breakfast table into a delightful culinary scene. Enjoy the warmth of this dish with a slice of crusty bread for scooping, or pair it with a simple green salad for a refreshing balance. Whether you’re sharing with family or indulging in a quiet morning, this Menemen recipe promises to elevate your breakfast experience.
In this Menemen recipe, each ingredient and step has been thoughtfully curated to guide you through the process of creating this traditional Turkish dish, ensuring that you can enjoy its authentic flavors right in your home kitchen.
