Ingredients
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1 pcs onion peeled roughly chopped
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1 pcs green bell pepper peeled deseeded and sliced
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3 pcs tomatoes peeled deseeded and chopped
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4 pcs Egg
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few stems fresh parsley chopped
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2 pcs Garlic cloves chopped
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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3 tablespoon Olive oil
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20 g Butter
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1 teaspoon Salt
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a pinch Black pepper
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a pinch thyme
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a pinch oregano
Directions
What is Menemen?
Menemen is a traditional and widespread Turkish dish most often made from eggs, peppers, and tomatoes with the addition of different spices. However, like any traditional dish, it comes in different shapes and forms.In addition to these common ingredients, a Menemen recipe with onion is also common in some places.
The debate over whether the onion is an integral part of the Menemen recipe or not has gone so far that journalist and food critic Vedat Milor conducted a poll on the issue on his twitter profile. This issue aroused great interest and more than 430,000 people participated in the survey. The result was very divided with 51% of responses for onion and 49% without. Since I love onion, I also consider myself pro onion party in this debate.
In addition to onion, in some versions and parts of Turkey, other ingredients can be found. It’s not uncommon to see suduk (spiced beef sausage), pastirma (air-dried cured beef) or even a minced lamb. In some versions, cheese is added, for a richer and more intense taste.
Difference between Menemen and Shakshuka?
Menemen is a very similar dish to Shakshuka, which is a quintessential dish in Arab and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Since the same ingredients are used, some consider it to be identical dishes. However, there are some differences. Unlike shakshuka, where the eggs are poached, in a traditional menemen recipe the eggs are whipped into the vegetables. Also, shakshuka has a stronger flavour because more intensive spices are used, such as cinnamon and harissa paste.
Similar dishes also exist and other countries of the world. For example, in Italy, there is a widespread dish Ova’ mpriatorio or in the literal translation – eggs in purgatory innhold. In Spain, it is very similar to Pisto Manchengo, with the addition of eggplant, the eggs are separately baked and added to the top of this dish. In Mexico, you can find almost identical, Huevos Rancheros, which means rancher’s eggs.
According to some historians, all these dishes originate in Menemen. The dish itself is named after a region in Turkey, so it seems logical that its origin should be traced here.
In traditional Turkish cuisine, Menemen is served as breakfast, mostly with flatbread. Also, yoghurt goes well with it.
I tried this Menemen recipe a few years ago, when I was in Izmir and I was thrilled. I must admit I made it countless times since then, according to this authentic recipe. Maybe with a few small tweaks 😊.
Steps
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1
Done
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In a wide frying pan, heat olive oil. Add onion and sauté for a few minutes until it becomes transparent. |
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2
Done
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Add bell peppers and tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until it starts to soften. |
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3
Done
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. Add spices and simmer on low heat until you have a thick sauce. |
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4
Done
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Crack eggs into the pan and stir them roughly until they are baked according to your taste. Personally, I prefer when eggs are not completely beaten in the sauce. |
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5
Done
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Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot with flat bread. |
8 Comments Hide Comments
I have a friend from Greece who had actually told me about Menemen it sounded similar to Indian Anda Bhurji. And now I know why! Such a simple yet healthy recipe!
This looks so delicious! I also like the way the recipe was made. It seems easy to follow.
So many recipes from Turkey, which is certainly very tasty to enjoy. I will try this recipe let alone use tomatoes which are my favorite.
It looks so good, I’m traveling to Turkey in two days time and I will try it!
I’ve always loved peppers (my partner hates them, but that’s fine – more for me!), and I’ve recently been having eggs for breakfast every morning, so this recipe is a great way for me to incorporate the two into one, with a few extras added in! I’ll have to give it a try
We love trying new recipes from different countries. Turkish cuisine is delicious! I saved the recipe and will try this soon. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to other delicious recipes in the future.
I havent heard of Menemen but it looks delicious and the recipe looks easy, I’ll try it out!
I have never heard of Menemen before but it looks and sounds delicious. I like trying new recipes so I’ll give this a try soon.