Menemen (Turkish Egg Scramble) 

Menemen is a traditional Turkish dish that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal. This one-pan recipe combines sautéed onions, peppers, and tomatoes with gently scrambled eggs, creating a comforting dish that's perfect for breakfast or brunch. Originating from the town of Menemen in İzmir Province, this dish is commonly enjoyed with crusty bread to scoop up the rich, savory mixture. 

🧄 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small white onion, finely diced

• 1 large green bell pepper, diced

• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juices

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or substitute with paprika and cayenne)

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• 3–4 large eggs

• Optional garnishes: sliced chives or chopped parsley, crumbled feta, sliced avocado 

🔪 Directions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened.

2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Reduce heat to medium. Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), butter, Aleppo pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir until evenly combined, then sauté for 2 more minutes until the tomatoes are heated through.

3. Add the Eggs: Crack the eggs directly onto the tomato mixture. Let them cook for about 1 minute. Then, use a spoon to break the yolks and gently stir the eggs into the tomato mixture, allowing them to scramble. Continue cooking until the eggs reach your desired level of doneness, traditionally until just barely set and still soft, about 3 to 4 minutes total.

4. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with optional toppings such as sliced chives or chopped parsley, crumbled feta, and sliced avocado. Pair with crusty bread for dipping.

📊 Nutritional Estimate (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 255 kcal

• Total Fat: 20 g

• Saturated Fat: 8 g

• Cholesterol: 210 mg

• Sodium: 1,086 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 7 g

• Dietary Fiber: 1 g

• Sugars: 3 g

• Protein: 12 g