Ingredients
Menemen Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 medium green peppers, chopped (Turkish peppers or any sweet green pepper)
- 4 large tomatoes (about 1 cup), peeled and diced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 medium eggs
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Place a pan over medium heat and add the olive oil, warming it up gently.
- Cook the green peppers: Add the chopped green peppers to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become tender but still slightly crisp.
- Add the tomatoes and season: Stir in the peeled and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle salt and paprika evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low, cooking until the tomatoes soften and the mixture becomes saucy, stirring occasionally. This usually takes several minutes.
- Prepare the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs gently to combine the yolks and whites but avoid frothing.
- Combine eggs with tomato mixture: Pour the beaten eggs over the tomato and pepper mixture in the pan. Cook uncovered on low heat, stirring gently with a spatula to spread the eggs evenly throughout the mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, taking care not to overcook the eggs; they should remain soft and creamy.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes, black pepper, and chopped parsley on top. Optionally drizzle a little extra olive oil before serving for added richness.
- Alternative - Leave the eggs whole: After cooking the peppers and tomatoes, create small wells in the mixture. Crack the eggs into these hollows and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until whites are set but yolks remain runny. Gently help cook the whites with a spatula if needed, or cover the pan to cook the tops of the eggs (note this may form a thin layer of cooked egg yolk).
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes for the freshest flavor; peeling them helps create a smoother texture.
- Turkish green peppers can be substituted with mild bell peppers for a similar taste.
- Do not overcook the eggs to keep Menemen soft and creamy rather than dry.
- Optionally top with crumbled feta cheese or serve with crusty bread for a fuller meal.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste based on desired spiciness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Gluten Free
