Description
Turkish Eggs, or Çılbır, is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish featuring poached eggs, creamy yogurt, and a flavorful spiced butter sauce. This dish offers a delightful balance of tender eggs, velvety yogurt, and aromatic spices, making it a satisfying meal for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
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
Instructions
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 and poach for 3-4 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are runny. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon.
- Prepare the yogurt: Place the Greek yogurt in a bowl, add a pinch of salt, and stir until smooth. Optionally, add lemon juice for extra tang.
- Make the spiced butter: In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the spices infuse the butter.
- Assemble the dish: Spoon the yogurt into a plate or shallow bowl. Place the poached eggs on top, then drizzle the spiced butter sauce over the eggs and yogurt. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with warm pita or crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicy variation, add a fresh chili or drizzle hot sauce.
- Make it vegan by using avocado slices or tofu scramble in place of eggs and plant-based yogurt.
- Add crumbled feta or grated cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Pair with sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or arugula for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Poaching, Sauteing
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 210mg