Name: Turkish Eggs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 2 large eggs 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 tbsp olive oil or butter 1 tsp paprika (preferably smoked) 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) Salt and pepper, to taste Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, dill, or mint) Bread or pita, for serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Turkish Eggs is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines some of the best ingredients in the Mediterranean kitchen. The creaminess of the yogurt complements the richness of the poached eggs, while the spiced butter adds a warm and aromatic kick to each bite. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a balanced meal. It’s also versatile—serve it with warm pita or crusty bread for dipping, or add a side of sautéed vegetables for extra nutrients. Easy to make, visually stunning, and full of flavor, this dish is a great way to enjoy eggs in a new and exciting way.

Ingredients

2 large eggs
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 tsp paprika (preferably smoked)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, dill, or mint)
Bread or pita, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Poach the eggs: Bring a pot of water to a simmer and add a splash of vinegar (optional). Gently crack the eggs into the water, being careful not to break the yolks. Poach the eggs for 3-4 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the eggs from the water and set them aside.
Prepare the yogurt: While the eggs are poaching, place the Greek yogurt in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and stir to make it smooth and creamy. You can also add a little lemon juice for extra tang, if desired.
Make the spiced butter sauce: In a small skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the paprika, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the oil and butter. Be careful not to burn the spices.
Assemble the dish: Spoon the yogurt onto a plate or shallow bowl. Gently place the poached eggs on top of the yogurt. Drizzle the spiced butter sauce over the eggs and yogurt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with warm pita or crusty bread for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 1-2 servings (can easily be doubled)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add a side of sautéed greens: Pair the dish with sautéed spinach, kale, or arugula for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spicy variation: Add a chopped fresh chili or a drizzle of hot sauce to the yogurt or butter for extra heat.
Vegan version: Replace the eggs with avocado slices or tofu scramble and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative like coconut or almond yogurt.
Cheesy twist: Top the yogurt with crumbled feta or grated cheese before adding the eggs and spiced butter for a creamy, tangy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Turkish Eggs are best served fresh, as the poached eggs and yogurt don’t store well once combined. However, you can store the spiced butter and yogurt separately in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the spiced butter and yogurt separately before assembling the dish. It’s best to poach the eggs fresh each time.

FAQs

Can I use scrambled eggs instead of poached eggs?

Yes, you can use scrambled eggs if you prefer, but poached eggs are traditional for this dish. The runny yolk is a key part of the experience and adds richness to the yogurt and spiced butter.

Can I make Turkish Eggs ahead of time?

While the yogurt and spiced butter can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge, it’s best to cook the eggs fresh to ensure they are tender and runny.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can use regular yogurt if you prefer a thinner consistency. Greek yogurt, however, is thicker and creamier, which adds a richer texture to the dish.

What kind of bread should I serve with Turkish Eggs?

Serve Turkish Eggs with warm pita, crusty bread, or any bread of your choice for dipping into the creamy yogurt and spiced butter sauce.

Can I add other spices to the butter sauce?

Absolutely! You can experiment with spices like coriander, turmeric, or cinnamon for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the amount according to your taste.

Is Turkish Eggs a vegetarian dish?

Yes, Turkish Eggs is a vegetarian dish as long as you are using dairy-based yogurt. If you opt for a vegan version, you can substitute plant-based yogurt and use avocado or tofu instead of eggs.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! If you enjoy spicy food, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped fresh chili to the spiced butter sauce for a kick of heat.

Can I make Turkish Eggs without yogurt?

Yes, you can skip the yogurt if you prefer. Some variations of this dish use tahini or a simple drizzle of olive oil on the eggs instead of yogurt.

Can I make Turkish Eggs without the butter?

Yes, you can make the dish without butter by using olive oil instead. The butter does add a rich flavor, but the dish will still be delicious with just the olive oil and spices.

How do I know when the poached eggs are done?

Poach the eggs for 3-4 minutes for soft yolks, or adjust the time if you prefer firmer yolks. The whites should be set but the yolks should still be runny.

Conclusion

Turkish Eggs is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together creamy yogurt, perfectly poached eggs, and a rich spiced butter sauce. This dish is easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to be served for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With its balance of textures and delicious spices, Turkish Eggs is a perfect way to enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at home. Whether you serve it with fresh herbs, a side of greens, or some crusty bread, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.