Ingredients
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4
Tomatoes
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2
Onions
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1
Large Turkish pepper (or green pepper)
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1 teaspoonful
Paprika
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4
Eggs
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2
Garlic Cloves
Directions
Menemen is an essential dish in Turkish cuisine. It’s a delicious Turkish omelette with eggs, peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic and paprika, often accompanied by bread such as Simit.
This recipe is very similar to shakshuka.
Menemen vs Shakshuka
The comparison between menemen and shakshuka, a vegetable stew from North Africa, is tempting. Both dishes share the generous use of vegetables and spices, but they differ in their preparation and choice of ingredients.
Regional variations
Although the traditional recipe is simple, there are many variations. Some regions of Turkey add feta cheese, while others prefer spicy chilli. It’s up to you to experiment!
Tips for a successful menemen
To make your menemen a success, use fresh ingredients, do not beat the eggs and cook over a low heat so that the flavours blend harmoniously.
Serving Turkish Menemen
Traditional accompaniments
Menemen is traditionally served with fresh bread for dipping and black olives for a touch of acidity.
Suggested drinks to accompany menemen
A cup of Turkish black tea or a glass of ayran, a yoghurt-based drink, will add the finishing touch to your meal.
The nutritional benefits of Menemen
Menemen is a complete and balanced dish. The eggs provide high-quality protein, the vegetables provide fibre and vitamins, and the olive oil provides healthy fatty acids.
The role of this dish in a balanced diet
Eaten for breakfast or brunch, menemen is ideal for filling up on energy. Its high protein content helps you feel full and its low glycaemic index helps control blood sugar levels.
It’s up to you to make your own homemade menemen!
Preparing menemen is like taking a culinary trip to Turkey. Whether you think of it as an omelette or a Shakshuka, it is a dish to discover for its unique taste and nutritional benefits.
All the questions you may have about this traditional Turkish recipe!
Can you add meat to menemen?
Of course you can! For those who like a touch of meat, you can add sucuk, a spicy Turkish sausage, or even minced meat to give your turkish shakshuka more consistency.
How to store and reheat menemen?
Menemen is best eaten fresh. However, if you’ve made too much, you can keep it in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat it, a little tip: put it in a frying pan and heat it over a low heat to retain its texture and flavour.
Is menemen vegetarian/vegan?
Yes, menemen is vegetarian. It is made with fresh vegetables and eggs. However, it is not vegan because it contains eggs. For a vegan version, you can try replacing the eggs with crumbled tofu.
Can other vegetables be used in this recipe?
Menemen is a versatile dish and you can add other vegetables of your choice. Spinach, courgettes or aubergines can be an excellent addition.
In short, menemen is a rich, flavoursome dish that invites you on an exciting culinary journey. Whether it’s a Turkish omelette or a Turkish Shakshuka, this dish is sure to win you over with its unique flavour and simple preparation. So grab your frying pans and bon appétit!
Steps
1
Done
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Make your Turkish omelette at home!Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan. Add your two chopped onions and fry over a medium heat until translucent. |
2
Done
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Add the pepperWash and chop your pepper into small pieces and add to the hot pan. Fry for 5 to 10 minutes until tender. |
3
Done
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Add the spices, garlic and tomatoesChop your tomatoes coarsely, peel and chop your garlic cloves and then cook them with your onions and peppers. Add a tablespoon of paprika, a little salt and pepper and fry over a low heat for around twenty minutes, stirring regularly. |
4
Done
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Add eggsAfter 20 minutes, it's time to add the eggs! Using a wooden spoon, make 4 small holes in the mixture and crack an egg into each hole. |
5
Done
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Enjoy your homemade Turkish MenemenOnce cooked, sprinkle your homemade Menemen with chopped parsley and green onion. Serve with a slice of Turkish bread. Enjoy your meal! |