How To Make Turkish Menemen: Turkish Scrambled Eggs With Peppers
Ah, menemen. This is the most delicious of all breakfast dishes, and I even have it for dinner sometimes. Scooped up with some fresh, crusty bread, you really can’t beat it.
The thing with menemen is that it’s never the same twice. Sometimes it’s thicker, sometimes it’s runnier, other times it’s spicier. It all depends on the tomatoes you use and how the menemen feel on any given day!
I can appreciate that you might never have heard of menemen and wonder what on earth I’m talking about. Well, we’re about to jump into that and show you just how delicious this dish can be. You’ll be making it every day!
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What Is Menemen – Turkish Scrambled Eggs With Tomatoes & Peppers
Menemen is a delicious and popular Turkish dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. It is made with sautéed tomatoes, peppers, onions, scrambled eggs, and various spices such as Turkish red pepper flakes and black pepper. The dish is typically served hot, with a side of fresh bread or Turkish flatbread.
Menemen is known for its rich and flavourful taste and bright and vibrant colors, which come from the fresh vegetables used in its preparation. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes—some variations include adding feta cheese, sucuk (Turkish sausage), or other ingredients like mushrooms or spinach.
And yes, it really does sound like you’re saying “many men.”
The Origins & History Of Menemen
Menemen is a traditional Turkish dish that has been a staple of Turkish cuisine for many years. Its origins date back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was commonly eaten for breakfast or as a midday snack. The dish is named after the town of Menemen in the Izmir province of Turkey, where it is believed to have originated.
Over the years, menemen has become a popular dish not only in Turkey but also in other parts of the world. It is often served with fresh bread, olives, and cheese to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Menemen is beloved for its simplicity, versatility, and delicious taste, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, menemen continues to be a cherished dish in Turkish cuisine, rich in history and tradition.
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Different Variations Of Menemen Ingredients
As with most Turkish dishes, you can mix things up a little and try different variations. There are no rules! However, there are several variations of this delicious dish, each with its unique twist. Here are a few popular variations:
Traditional Menemen
This classic version of menemen includes sautéed fresh tomatoes, green bell peppers, and scrambled eggs mixed with spices like red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. It is typically served hot and fresh with a side of crusty bread.
Cheese Menemen
In this variation, grated cheese such as feta or kasar is added to the traditional menemen mixture. The cheese adds a creamy and savory element to the dish, making it even more indulgent and satisfying.
Sucuklu Menemen
Sucuklu menemen includes the addition of sucuk, a spicy Turkish sausage, to the traditional ingredients of menemen. The sucuk infuses the dish with a rich, smoky flavor and adds an extra kick of spice that pairs perfectly with the eggs and vegetables.
Mediterranean Menemen
This variation incorporates Mediterranean ingredients such as olives, capers, and herbs like oregano and parsley into the menemen mixture. The salty and fresh flavors of the Mediterranean ingredients add a new dimension to the dish, creating a refreshing and exotic twist on the classic recipe.
Vegan Menemen
For those looking for a plant-based version of this dish, you can make a vegan menemen by omitting the eggs and adding ingredients like tofu or chickpea flour to replicate the texture of scrambled eggs. You can even eat this type of menemen with the tomato and vegetable mixture on its own.
How To Serve & Eat Menemen
Here is a guide on how to serve and eat menemen:
Serving Menemen
When serving menemen, use a large, shallow serving dish or individual plates. The latter is a less popular option. Generally, people dig into the shared platter.
Garnish the menemen with freshly chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve the menemen with warm, crusty bread, such as Turkish simit or any type you prefer. The bread soaks up the flavorful juices of the dish.
You can also serve menemen with a dollop of creamy yogurt on the side to complement the spicy and savory flavors.
Eating Menemen
Menemen is traditionally eaten straight from the pan or serving dish with a spoon or fork.
To fully enjoy menemen, mix the eggs, peppers and tomatoes to create a delicious medley of flavors. Alternatively, leave the eggs unbroken and dip your break into the yolk.
Take a piece of bread and scoop up a portion of the menemen. With the bread, enjoy the combination of runny eggs, juicy ripe tomatoes, and aromatic peppers.
You can add extra seasonings, such as salt and pepper or crushed red pepper flakes, according to your taste preferences.
Remember, menemen is best enjoyed with loved ones at any time of the day, but it’s traditionally a breakfast dish.
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Perfect Menemen Recipe
You can opt for the classic version, which I believe is the ultimate winner, or you can add some extras. Here’s how to make delicious menemen.
Menemen Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 large, ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (salca)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Chopped parsley or fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. If you’re using onion, add it now and sauté until translucent.
- Add the green peppers and cook for a couple of minutes until softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they start to break down and release their juices, about 5 minutes. Mash them down with a fork to help the process along.
- Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Add your tomato paste and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Crack the eggs directly into the skillet and gently mix with the tomato mixture. Cook until the eggs are set to your liking, stirring occasionally to combine. Alternatively, you can leave them whole and let them cook – it’s personal preference.
- Once the eggs are cooked to your preference, remove the skillet from heat. For garnish, sprinkle with chopped parsley or fresh herbs.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or pita on the side.
Optional extras I add to my menemen
- Sliced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and flavor
- Diced cooked sausage or bacon for a meaty variation
- Grated cheese, such as kasar cheese or feta – you can add this in the last couple of minutes of cooking
- A handful of spinach or kale for added nutrients
- Olives or capers for a salty kick
- Diced zucchini or mushrooms for extra vegetables
Final Word On Making Menemen
It’s impossible not to fall in love with menemen. The first time I saw it, I was skeptical; I’m not going to lie, but now? Well, it’s my favorite of all the Turkish dishes, and I often eat it for dinner. If you ask me if I want steak or menemen, in all honesty, I’m more likely to say menemen!
Give it a try and see for yourself.