Traditional Turkish Menemen Recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 large ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
4 large eggs
1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
Feta cheese for serving (optional)

Steps and instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, around 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for around 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are very soft and have released their juices.
Crack the eggs directly into the skillet with the tomato mixture. Cook without stirring for a few minutes, until the eggs start to set around the edges.
Stir gently to combine the eggs with the tomato mixture, making sure to leave big chunks of egg intact. Cook for a few more minutes, until the eggs are done to your liking.
Remove from heat, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve hot. If desired, crumble some feta cheese on top before serving.

Tools for making

Skillet - A large skillet or frying pan to cook the menemen.
Chopping Board - A sturdy chopping board to chop the onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
Knife - A sharp knife to chop the vegetables.
Wooden Spoon - A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the ingredients in the skillet.
Garlic Press - A garlic press to mince the garlic cloves.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons to accurately measure the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Serving Plates - Plates for serving the menemen.
Optional: Grater - A grater, if you choose to grate feta cheese on top of the menemen.

Recipe variations

Add diced sausage or bacon for a meaty version of Menemen.
Include other vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor and variety.
Replace the fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes for a quicker version of the recipe.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as oregano, thyme, or paprika to customize the flavor profile.
For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapenos or chili peppers to the skillet.
Serve Menemen with toasted bread or pita on the side for dipping.
Try adding crumbled feta cheese or grated cheddar on top for extra creaminess.
For a vegan version, omit the eggs and use tofu as a substitute.
Make it a heartier meal by serving Menemen over cooked rice or with a side of roasted potatoes.
For a low-carb option, substitute the onions and peppers with cauliflower rice.

Recipe overview

Menemen is a traditional Turkish dish that is typically enjoyed for breakfast, but can also be served as a hearty lunch or dinner. It's a delicious and nutritious scramble made of eggs, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, often spiced with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This fuss-free recipe is both simple and versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to your liking, and it is an excellent way to use up ripe tomatoes. You can also optionally top it off with some crumbled feta cheese for additional flavor and richness. The end result is a comforting and filling meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Let's get started on making this flavorful and healthy dish!

Common questions

Can I use other types of oil instead of olive oil? Yes, you can use other types of cooking oil such as vegetable oil or sunflower oil as a substitute for olive oil.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute for fresh tomatoes. Use about 1 can (14-ounce) of diced or crushed tomatoes in place of the fresh tomatoes.
Is it necessary to use both green and red bell peppers? No, it is not necessary to use both. You can use only green bell peppers or only red bell peppers, depending on your preference and availability.
Can I add other vegetables to the Menemen? Yes, you can add other vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini if you like. Just make sure to chop them finely and add them along with the bell peppers.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your taste. You can also omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make Menemen in advance? It is best to serve Menemen immediately after cooking to enjoy its fresh flavors. However, you can refrigerate any leftovers and reheat them in a skillet or microwave when ready to eat.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - A large skillet or frying pan to cook the Menemen.
Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board to chop the vegetables.
Knife - A sharp knife for chopping the onion, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
Spatula - A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring the ingredients in the skillet.
Garlic press - An optional tool for mincing the garlic cloves.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons to accurately measure the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Whisk - A whisk to gently combine the eggs with the tomato mixture.
Serving plates - Plates for serving the Menemen.
Fresh parsley garnish - Fresh parsley for garnishing the Menemen before serving.
Optional: Feta cheese - Crumbled feta cheese to sprinkle on top of the Menemen, if desired.

Origin stories

Menemen, this delightful egg dish, has its roots in the eponymous district of Izmir, a city on Turkey's Aegean coast. Legend has it that the dish was originally concocted by railroad workers who needed a hearty meal to sustain them during their strenuous work. Lacking a variety of ingredients, they combined tomatoes, peppers, and eggs - items that were readily available - and thus, Menemen was born. Over time, this humble dish quickly gained popularity across Turkey, eventually becoming a beloved breakfast staple. Its simplicity, versatility, and the explosion of flavors it offers have made it an enduring favorite among locals and tourists alike. Whether served in a rustic village or a bustling city, Menemen continues to be a testament to the Turkish love of communal meals and the joy of sharing a delicious, home-cooked dish.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.