This delicious dish known as Turkish Eggs makes for an egg-cellent addition to your next brunch!
There are few things in this world that I love more than a good brunch. Brunch has been the catalyst for so many moments in my life. Whether I’m getting dressed up with friends to check out a trendy new local restaurant, gathering with my family around the worn kitchen table I grew up with after months apart, or spending a lazy Sunday with my partner—brunch brings us together. Not to mention that I’m a sucker for breakfast foods. Eggs Benedict, brioche French toast, you name it, I’m there, and probably in a cute outfit.
One of my latest obsessions in the world of brunching has been my discovery of çılbır, AKA Turkish eggs. It’s a divine dish made with poached eggs, Greek yogurt, and spicy olive oil—I’m drooling just writing about it. I discovered Turkish eggs at one of my recent brunch gatherings with the girls. We’d heard about this new Turkish restaurant on the waterfront and had been planning to check it out for months. Of course, scheduling around eight women in their late 20s is no easy feat. When we finally made it out, it was so worth it.
Amidst the catching up, gossip, and laughter, I found myself particularly distracted by this incredible dish. The Turkish eggs, which this restaurant served with toasted bread and homemade hot honey, had my full attention.
And so I’ve set out on a mission to eat Turkish eggs every day for the rest of my life. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of wishful thinking, but once you try the recipe, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
Are Turkish Eggs Healthy?
These Turkish eggs can definitely be part of a healthy diet. The recipe calls for Greek yogurt and eggs, which are a good source of protein, while the olive oil provides healthy fats. Serve the eggs with some whole-wheat toast and perhaps some sautéed spinach to balance out the meal.
How To Poach Like a Pro
Confession time—I didn’t know how to poach an egg before diving into this çılbır adventure. But now that I’ve become a bit of a “çılbır expert,” I can poach like a pro, and you’ll be able to as well!
Start by letting your water cool slightly after it reaches a boil; this helps prevent the vigorous bubbles from breaking up the delicate egg whites. When adding eggs, keep it to just two or three at a time to avoid crowding, which can lead to uneven poaching. For an extra-smooth transfer, crack your egg into a soup ladle or teacup before gently sliding it into the water.
Also, adding vinegar to your poaching water can help the egg whites to coagulate more quickly and hold their shape better.
How to Make Ahead and Store
This dish is best enjoyed immediately, but you can always poach the eggs in advance and store them in water in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, place them in a pot of hot (not boiling!) water for 3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for other fancy brunch ideas? Great dishes for your spread include Bananas Foster French Toast, Breakfast Potatoes, a Zucchini Casserole, and some Baked Brown Sugar Bacon. Oh, and this is brunch, so don’t forget the Mimosas. Cheers!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Salt to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the Greek yogurt with minced garlic and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside at room temperature.
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and add the vinegar. Crack each egg into a separate small bowl. Gently slide the eggs into the water one at a time, cooking for about 3 minutes until the whites are set but yolks remain runny.
- While the eggs are poaching, heat the olive oil in a small pan and add the Aleppo pepper flakes and smoked paprika. Cook for about 30 seconds.
- Place the yogurt mixture in two bowls, top each with a poached egg, and drizzle with the spiced olive oil and garnish with dill. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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