Description
Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish featuring scrambled eggs cooked gently with tomatoes, peppers, and onions in extra virgin olive oil. This vibrant and flavorful recipe combines fresh vegetables and spices to create a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect to enjoy with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper (Anaheim or Holland pepper), cored, seeded, and chopped
- 2 vine-ripe tomatoes, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 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
- Cook the Onions and Peppers: In a 10-inch skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and green bell peppers, seasoning with kosher salt. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the vegetables have softened without browning the onions.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with additional kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and Aleppo pepper. Continue cooking over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften but still retain some shape.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the tomato and pepper mixture to one side of the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Cook gently, stirring only as needed, until the eggs are just set. Then fold the tomato mixture into the eggs to combine.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle extra Aleppo pepper and crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Serve immediately with thick slices of French baguette, if desired.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the eggs; they should remain soft and tender.
- Aleppo pepper can be substituted with mild chili flakes or paprika if unavailable.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh crusty bread for dipping.
- Adjust the level of heat by adding or omitting crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
