Turkish eggs are a filling breakfast that will kick off your day with flavor. Turkish eggs are poached eggs over garlic yogurt. This is an easy-to-make recipe that packs a punch of smokey and spicy flavors.
What Are Turkish Eggs?
Turkish eggs, also called cilbir, is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish that is popular in Turkey and throughout the Middle East. It consists of poached eggs served over a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. The ingredients for making the garlic yogurt sauce are simple: plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic cloves, and salt.
The poaching process is easy and requires few ingredients. Since there is no extra oil or butter used in the cooking process, poached eggs are lower in calories and fat than fried eggs. The egg and sauce are then topped with a spiced butter and garnished with fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, mint, and cilantro, to add flavor and beauty to this classic dish.
Turkish eggs are creamy, filling, and satisfying. Turkish eggs are most often eaten for breakfast, but you can eat them for lunch or dinner too. For a heartier meal, serve this dish alongside crusty bread or some roasted potatoes. Turkish eggs are also popular when cooked in the traditional method called menemen, which is an egg dish with tomatoes, green peppers, and spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Turkish Eggs
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Eggs
- Garlic clove
- Butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika powder
- Chili flakes
- Bunch of fresh herbs, such as mint, parsley, or dill
- Vinegar (optional for poaching the eggs)
How to Make Turkish Eggs
- Peel then mince or smash the garlic clove. Set aside.
- Chop a bunch of fresh herbs, such as mint, parsley, or dill. Set aside.
- Mix the Greek yogurt with the minced garlic and salt. Spread the mixture on a serving plate with a spoon. Set aside.
- Boil water in a pan. Add a teaspoon of vinegar to the water if desired.
- Create a swirl with a spoon and drop the eggs one by one into the boiling water.
- Cook the eggs for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve the perfect consistency. Remove them with a slotted spoon to drain the excess water.
- While the eggs are cooking, prep the spiced butter: Melt the butter in a pan. Add the smoked paprika powder, chili flakes, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute stirring constantly. Set aside.
- Place the cooked eggs on top of the yogurt spread.
- Drizzle them with the spiced butter and sprinkle with the chopped herbs.
Tips and Variations for Turkish Eggs
If you want to make the best Turkish eggs, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
- Opt for rich and creamy yogurt rather than non-fat or low-fat varieties if you want the most creaminess. If you want the healthiest option, use a non-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt.
- Use the freshest eggs possible because they will poach better.
- To prevent spreading, create an eddy in the simmering water by stirring it with a spoon or spatula before adding the eggs.
- Use the vinegar in the poaching water to help keep the egg whites together and to add a subtle flavor.
- Add tomatoes or other vegetables, such as peppers, for extra flavor.
- Top the finished dish with crumbled feta cheese for more flavor.
- Try adding mushrooms, artichoke hearts, spinach, or kale to the yogurt mixture before poaching the eggs.
- If you’re looking for an extra kick of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes, chili pepper, or hot sauce over the poached eggs.
- Serve the Turkish eggs with toasted pita bread, flatbread, or regular bread for a complete meal.
Turkish Eggs FAQs
Can I store the leftovers of Turkish eggs?
You should eat the Turkish eggs right after being made. They don’t make good leftovers.
Does this Turkish eggs recipe require any special equipment or utensils for preparation?
No, this recipe does not require any special equipment or utensils for preparation. All you need is a pot to boil the eggs, a pan to make the spiced butter, and a bowl to mix the yogurt and spices together.
Are Turkish eggs good for you?
Yes, Turkish eggs are a healthy and nutritious meal. The eggs and Greek yogurt are rich in protein and, along with the fresh herbs, provide many essential vitamins and minerals. Choose non-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt to lower the fat content. Add a fruit salad for an even bigger nutritional boost.
Other Egg Recipes
- Healthy Hummus Deviled Eggs
- Easy Italian Baked Eggs (Gluten Free)
- Skillet Eggs & Spinach
- Easy Egg Muffins
Bottom Line
Turkish eggs make the perfect quick meal whether you’re eating alone or hosting guests. Try varying up the flavors with my variation ideas to create new unique takes on this classic Turkish dish.
Easy Turkish Eggs
A super tasty and filling breakfast. Poached eggs over garlic yogurt all topped up with smokey and spicy butter. Absolute perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 2 eggs
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika powder
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 bunch of fresh herbs: mint, parsley, or dill
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (optional for poaching the eggs)
Instructions
- Peel and mince or smash one garlic clove. Set aside. Chop a bunch of fresh herbs. Set aside too.
- Mix the yogurt with the minced garlic and salt and add the mixture to the serving plate spreading it with a spoon. Set aside.
- In a pan with boiling water poach the eggs. For this: Create a swirl with a spoon and drop the eggs one by one carefully. You can add a teaspoon of vinegar to the water. Cook them for 2-3 minutes to achieve the perfect consistency. Remove them with a slotted spoon to drain the excess water.
- While the eggs are cooking prep the spiced butter: In a pan add the butter and melt, add the smoked paprika powder, chili flakes, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute stirring constantly. Set aside.
- Put the cooked eggs on top of the yogurt spread.
- Drizzle them with the spiced butter.
- Sprinkle with the chopped herbs.
Notes
Enjoy with toasted pita bread or regular bread. This dish should be eaten right after being made.
It’s very filling, creamy, and satisfying. It’s traditionally eaten for breakfast but can be easily eaten as a starter or light lunch or dinner.
