Menemen: Turkish Scrambled Eggs with Tomato

A vibrant, aromatic scramble of eggs, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, steeped in traditional Turkish home cooking. This dish balances tangy tomatoes, soft vegetables, and tender eggs for a comforting breakfast or brunch option.

Recipe Overview

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 2–4 (as a hearty breakfast or appetizer; adjust portions per appetite)

Ingredients

For authentic flavor, prioritize fresh, seasonal produce. Adjust spices and vegetables to taste.

• Aromatics & Vegetables:

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 medium white onion (≈10 ounces), peeled and diced

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano (plus extra for seasoning)

• ¼ teaspoon Aleppo pepper (plus extra for heat preference)

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

• 1 mild long green pepper (e.g., Turkish carliston, Hungarian banana, or Anaheim), stemmed, halved lengthwise, seeded, and diced

• Tomato Base:

• 1 cup peeled, chopped fresh heirloom tomato (≈7 ounces) or 1 cup canned diced San Marzano tomatoes (with their juices)

• Eggs & Herbs:

• 4 large eggs

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus 2 tablespoons for garnish)

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for richness)

• Serving:

• Flatbread (toasted or untoasted, for sopping up the scramble)

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a nonstick medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, oregano, and Aleppo pepper. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and turns translucent (7–9 minutes).

Add the diced green pepper and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it softens (5–7 minutes). The vegetables should be tender but not browned.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato-Egg Mixture

While the vegetables cook, purée half the tomatoes in a food processor or blender until smooth (reserve the other half for chunkier texture).

In a medium bowl, crack the 4 eggs. Add the puréed tomato mixture and whisk vigorously for 1–2 minutes until the eggs are well combined and slightly frothy (this aerates the eggs for a fluffier final texture).

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Once the vegetable mixture simmers gently, stir in the ¼ cup parsley and butter (if using). Reduce heat to low. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the vegetables, tilting the skillet to spread evenly.

Cook, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until the eggs set but remain tender (3–4 minutes). Avoid overcooking to preserve a creamy, soft consistency.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, oregano, or Aleppo pepper if needed. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley over the top. Serve directly from the skillet while warm, alongside toasted or untoasted flatbread.

Chef’s Insights & Community Notes

Family Recipe Legacy

This recipe is inspired by the author’s father, a Jerusalem-born cook who prepared Menemen as a beloved breakfast. He emphasized its traditional Turkish roots, noting that it requires labor-intensive preparation—often done by family women in historic restaurants, making it a lost art in modern eateries.

Practical Tips

• Portion Control: Halve the oil for a lighter version; it serves 2 generously. For a larger crowd, scale up ingredients (e.g., 8 eggs for 4 people).

• Bread Pairing: Use toasted flatbread to crisp up slightly, or untoasted for a softer texture.

Creative Variations

• Add Creaminess: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese during the final minute of cooking.

• Spice Up: Incorporate za’atar, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne for complexity.

• Herb Twist: Swap parsley with mint or dill for a fresh, herbaceous profile.

Community Feedback

• “Lacking something? Add feta! The original recipe felt ‘mehmeh’ (flat), but cheese and za’atar fixed it.”

• “Canned tomatoes + yellow bell pepper + feta: delicious! Serves 2 easily (4 eggs = 2 hearty portions).”

• “Fast, filling, and oil-friendly—excellent for busy mornings.”

Enjoy this vibrant dish as a nostalgic nod to Turkish home cooking, or customize it to your taste!