Welcome back to our culinary journey through the delicious world of Turkish cuisine! Today, we're celebrating a breakfast favorite: Menemen. This iconic dish, beloved for its simplicity and rich flavors, is a staple of Turkish mornings. Let's dive into the recipe and learn how to make Menemen that's perfect for starting your day.
Ingredients:
- Chopped onions
- Chopped peppers (green bell peppers or Turkish green peppers)
- Chopped tomatoes
- Olizzi Premium Organic Olive Oil
- Eggs
- Salt
- Fresh bread, preferably just out of the oven
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Recipe:
The Great Onion Debate
Menemen can spark heated debates about whether or not to include onions. Here, we embrace the delicious complexity onions bring to the dish. Begin by heating Olizzi Premium Organic Olive Oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sizzle the Onions
Add the chopped onions to the pan. Sauté them until they become translucent and start to caramelize. A light sprinkling of salt at this stage helps to draw out the moisture and intensify the flavors.
Add the Peppers
Next, toss in the chopped peppers. Whether you prefer green bell peppers or the more traditional Turkish green peppers, they add a lovely crunch and a hint of sweetness. Sauté them with the onions, adding a bit more salt and a drizzle of Olizzi olive oil if needed.
Tomato Time
Once the peppers have softened, it's time to add the tomatoes. The tomatoes should be ripe and juicy, providing a rich base for the Menemen. As they cook, they'll release their juices, creating a flavorful sauce. Salt the tomatoes to taste and let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly.
Crack and Stir the Eggs
When the vegetables are well-cooked and melded together, it's time to add the eggs. Crack the eggs directly into the pan, and stir gently to combine them with the vegetables. The goal is to create a creamy, slightly scrambled texture. Cook until the eggs are just set but still soft.
Fresh Bread and Finishing Touches
While your Menemen is cooking, slice some fresh bread straight out of the oven. Drizzle the slices with a bit of Olizzi olive oil for extra flavor. Once your Menemen is ready, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Menemen hot, with the olive oil-drizzled bread on the side. The combination of the savory, creamy eggs and vegetables with the crisp, warm bread is simply irresistible.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a simple and delicious recipe for Menemen that captures the essence of Turkish breakfast. Whether you’re an onion enthusiast or prefer your Menemen without, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your morning routine. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors of traditional Turkish breakfast. Bon appétit!