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Say goodbye to boring toast! This Turkish Menemen is a fun and flavorful twist on scrambled eggs, and it’s the second recipe in my Mornings Made Delicious series, where I share fun and easy breakfast ideas to brighten your mornings!

About This Recipe

Turkish Menemen (pronounced meh-neh-men) is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a satisfying breakfast. It’s a comforting mix of soft scrambled eggs cooked in a rich, aromatic sauce made from tomatoes and green peppers — all brought together with a little olive oil, butter, and a sprinkle of cheese on top. Whether you crumble in some feta or melt mozzarella into the dish, you’re in for a cozy, savory bite every time.

Menemen is a staple in Turkish households and is often enjoyed as part of a traditional Turkish breakfast spread, which includes bread, cheeses, jams, honey, olives, and sometimes even chocolate. It’s the kind of breakfast that brings people to the table — warm, inviting, and perfect for sharing.

What makes Menemen special is how it elevates a few basic ingredients into something deeply satisfying. The tomatoes break down into a thick sauce, the peppers add just enough kick, and the eggs soak up all that flavor. The result? A soft, comforting scramble that’s begging to be scooped up with fresh bread.

What I love most about Menemen is how customizable it is. Some people like their eggs barely stirred, with soft ribbons running through the sauce, while others mix it all together for a fully scrambled texture. You can make it as spicy or as mild as you want, depending on the chili you use, and it’s perfect for those days when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, simple, and full of flavor — the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a pan.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Olive oil
Unsalted butter
Green pepper
Green chili
Fresh tomatoes
Salt & pepper
Eggs (beaten)
Feta cheese or mozzarella
Dried mint (optional, for garnish)
Bread (for serving)

💡 Substitutes & Add-Ins:

Swap feta with mozzarella for a melty finish
Add onion or garlic for extra flavor (not traditional, but delicious!)
Use chili flakes instead of fresh chili if preferred

Pro Tips

Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and consistency. Overripe tomatoes work perfectly here!
Don’t rush the tomato-pepper mixture — let it simmer and break down fully for the most flavorful base.
Be gentle with the eggs. Stir slowly into the sauce to get a soft scramble and avoid overcooking.
Serve with fresh bread (pide, sourdough, or even pita), and if you want to go full Turkish-style, add sides like honey, jam, olives, and cheese.

FAQ

Can I make Menemen ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the tomato-pepper sauce ahead and reheat it before adding eggs.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes, but fresh tomatoes give the best texture and flavor. If using canned, go for crushed or finely chopped.

Is Menemen spicy?

It depends on the chili! You can adjust the heat to your liking or skip the chili entirely.

Whether you’re new to Turkish cuisine or just looking to level up your breakfast routine, this Menemen recipe is a must-try. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make — the kind of dish that turns a regular morning into something special.

If you’re loving this Mornings Made Delicious series, be sure to check out my other recipes too:
🥞 Easy Pancakes
🌶 Spicy Chicken Pocket Sandwiches
🍞 Homemade Focaccia
🧈 1-Ingredient Homemade Butter

Check out my YouTube Channel for detailed recipe tutorials! Made one of my recipes? Tag me on Instagram, I would love to see your creations!

Turkish Menemen

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Turkish

Servings 2 people

Calories 330 kcal

Equipment

Small pan
Chppping board and knife
Wooden spoon or a spatula
Small bowl and whisk to wisk eggs

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 large green pepper chopped
1 green chili chopped
2 medium tomatoes chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
2 eggs beaten
Feta cheese or mozzarella as needed
Dried mint optional

Instructions

Prep your veggies: chop the green pepper, chili, and tomatoes.
Heat olive oil and butter in a small pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped pepper and chili. Sauté for 1–2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, then cover and cook on medium-low for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mash the tomatoes into a sauce using a wooden spoon or potato masher.
Gently stir in the beaten eggs, season the eggs with some more salt, and cook on low, covered, for about 5 minutes or until eggs are set.
Turn off heat, top with cheese and dried mint (optional). Serve warm with bread and enjoy!