Turkish Menemen Scramble (Printer View)

Soft-scrambled eggs with sweet peppers, onions, and juicy tomatoes seasoned for a savory Turkish start.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium green bell peppers, diced
04 - 3 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped

→ Eggs

05 - 6 large eggs
06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Additions

08 - ½ teaspoon ground sweet paprika
09 - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste
10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
11 - Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Add the diced green bell peppers to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften.
03 - Stir in the peeled and chopped tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes saucy.
04 - Season the tomato mixture with salt, freshly ground black pepper, ground sweet paprika, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well to combine.
05 - Lightly beat the eggs in a bowl, then pour them evenly over the tomato and pepper mixture in the skillet.
06 - Allow the eggs to set slightly at the edges, then gently stir with a spatula, scraping from edges to center. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until eggs are softly set but still creamy.
07 - Remove from heat to avoid overcooking. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese if using. Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for mornings when you want something special without the fuss.
  • The creamy, barely-set eggs mixed with soft peppers and tomatoes create a texture that's almost luxurious but entirely humble.
  • One pan means one cleanup, and the result tastes like you've been cooking for hours.
02 -
  • The biggest mistake is overcooking the eggs—they go from creamy to rubbery in about 30 seconds, so pull the pan off heat while they still look slightly wet.
  • Draining canned tomatoes is non-negotiable; their liquid will make your menemen watery instead of sauce-like.
  • This dish is best eaten the moment it's made, while the vegetables are still bright and the eggs are still warm and soft.
03 -
  • Room-temperature eggs fold into the hot vegetables more gently and cook more evenly, so pull them from the fridge a few minutes before you start cooking if you remember.
  • The moment you see the first wisps of steam rise off the vegetables is when you know your pan is at the right temperature for the onions—don't wait for the oil to smoke.
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