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Turkish Menemen

Menemen is a savory Turkish dish made by simmering ripe tomatoes with fresh peppers and herbs, then gently swirling in eggs to create a soft, creamy scramble. The final dish has a vibrant, chunky texture with a glossy appearance, often topped with crumbled cheese or herbs. It is typically served hot and spooned directly onto bread for a hearty breakfast or snack.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Turkish
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ripe tomatoes chopped
  • 2 bell peppers preferably red or green, sliced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 eggs beaten lightly
  • 50 grams feta cheese crumbled, optional
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • a handful fresh herbs parsley or basil, chopped

Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the chopped onions and sliced peppers; cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic and chopped tomatoes; cook until the tomatoes release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly, about 7-8 minutes. You should see bubbling and the mixture turning a glossy, rich red.
  4. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste, and cook for another minute.
  5. Create small wells in the tomato mixture and pour in the beaten eggs, one at a time, ensuring they remain separated initially for visual appeal.
  6. Allow the eggs to cook gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softly scrambled and have thickened but remain creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle crumble feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs on top, allowing the heat to slightly melt the cheese and infuse the herbs.
  8. Serve hot, spooned directly onto crusty bread for a complete meal that highlights the vibrant colors and contrasting textures.