Menerem From Turkey

 

Meremem From Turkey(Click to watch the video)

Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish that’s easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. It’s a scrambled egg dish cooked with:

• Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, providing a rich base.
• Green peppers: Often mild Turkish peppers, but bell peppers or chilies work too.
• Eggs: Whisked into the vegetable mixture or cracked whole for a shakshuka-like texture.
• Olive oil or butter: Adds richness and enhances the flavor.
• Spices: Commonly includes salt, black pepper, and sometimes chili flakes.

Some versions also include:

• Onions: Though traditionalists debate whether onions belong in Menemen.
• Cheese: Like feta or Turkish beyaz peynir, for added creaminess.
• Sujuk (spicy sausage) or pastrami for a meatier variation.

How to Eat It

Menemen is best enjoyed hot, served with:

• Freshly baked bread for dipping.
• A side of black olives or white cheese for a full Turkish breakfast spread.
• A hot cup of Turkish tea.

Authentic Turkish Menemen Recipe

Here's a simple and authentic recipe for making Menemen at home:

---

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for a richer flavor)
• 1 medium onion (optional, finely chopped)
• 2-3 green peppers (mild Turkish peppers or bell peppers, sliced)
• 3 medium tomatoes (peeled and finely chopped, or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
• 4 large eggs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chili flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
• Fresh parsley (optional, chopped for garnish)
• Bread, for serving (fresh crusty bread or flatbread is ideal)

---

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base:

   • Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • If using onions, sauté them until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
   • Add the sliced green peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.

2. Cook the Tomatoes:

   • Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is soft and slightly reduced. Add salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste.

3. Add the Eggs:

   • Create small wells in the tomato mixture and crack the eggs into the wells (for a shakshuka-like style) or whisk the eggs in a bowl and pour them over the tomato mixture for a scrambled texture.
   • Cover the pan with a lid and cook until the eggs are set to your preference (runny or fully cooked, about 3-5 minutes).

4. Serve:

   • Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired.
   • Serve immediately with fresh bread for dipping.

---

Tips:

• For a creamier version, stir in crumbled feta or grated cheese before serving.
• Add cooked sujuk (spicy Turkish sausage) or pastırma (cured meat) for extra flavor.