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Menemen

Menemen is a traditional Turkish dish made by simmering ripe tomatoes, green peppers, and spices in olive oil, then gently cracking eggs into the simmering mixture. The dish features a combination of soft, runny eggs with a chunky vegetable base, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful scramble with a slightly saucy consistency. It is cooked until the eggs are just set but remain moist and velvety.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Turkish
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium ripe tomatoes chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper seeded and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 4 large eggs
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet or Frying Pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add the sliced green peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to char slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Toss in the chopped tomatoes and cumin, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly. Let the mixture cook until the tomatoes break down and become saucy, about 5-6 minutes.
  4. Season the vegetable base with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste, and cook for another minute until well combined and fragrant.
  5. Create small wells in the sauce with a spoon and gently crack the eggs into each well, spacing them evenly across the pan.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Cook until the eggs are just set but still runny, about 4-5 minutes, watching for the whites to turn opaque and the yolks to remain soft.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with additional salt, pepper, or herbs if desired. Serve immediately with warm bread on the side.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add a splash of yogurt or sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving.