Recipe Details
Turkish Menemen: A Flavorful, Versatile Egg Dish for Breakfast/Brunch
Scrambled eggs are inherently versatile, serving as an ideal blank canvas for breakfast or brunch creations. They readily accommodate a wide range of ingredients: cheese or butter for added richness, vegetables for texture, and herbs/spices for aromatic depth. For those who crave a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, menemen—a traditional Turkish egg preparation brimming with peppers and tomatoes—stands out as a perfect choice. This iteration elevates the classic with plump olives, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs, all culminating in a dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 medium red onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, diced (or 1 green bell pepper for variety)
2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced (fleshier varieties work best)
½ cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
4 oz crumbled feta cheese (adjust to taste)
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional, for brightness)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for subtle heat)
Preparation Steps
Prep Ingredients: Dice the onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Slice olives (if not pre-sliced). Beat eggs in a bowl with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Chop fresh herbs and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 2 minutes). Add bell pepper and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp.
Cook Tomatoes: Toss in diced tomatoes, stir, and cook for 5–6 minutes until tomatoes break down slightly and release their juices, forming a thickened base. Season with a pinch more salt/pepper if needed.
Incorporate Eggs: Gently pour the beaten eggs over the vegetable mixture. Use a spatula to slowly fold the eggs into the vegetables, allowing them to set gradually. Stir continuously to prevent overcooking; eggs should form soft curds (2–3 minutes).
Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle crumbled feta and sliced olives over the eggs. Fold gently to distribute ingredients evenly. Toss in fresh herbs and stir briefly to combine.
Serve Immediately: Transfer the menemen to a warm plate and serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or a side of yogurt for balance.
This version marries the heartiness of traditional menemen with Mediterranean flair, delivering a vibrant, protein-rich meal that’s both easy and impressive.