November 2011

Turkish Delights: Menemen

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted on this blog, and it’s mainly because I haven’t lived in Turkey since June 2010.  I’ve been back in the United States working on a Master’s degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism at Syracuse University.  However, being back at the university has allowed me to make some new Turkish friends who are studying at SU.  Along with Backgammon, tea, and really great conversation, several of them are teaching me how to “cook” my favorite Turkish foods.

I’ve decided to post the experiences and recipes here in a new segment I’m calling “Turkish Delights.”  I hope you enjoy, and maybe even cook some of these great meals yourself.

Menemen (a classic Turkish breakfast dish)

INGREDIENTS (this recipe serves 2-4):

• 1 onion (soğan)
• 2-3 peppers (biber), we used Hungarian peppers.  I’ve also tried Italian peppers.
• 2 tomatoes (domates)
• 2-4 eggs (yumurta)
• Vegetable or Olive oil
• Salt
• 1 small-medium frying pan

DIRECTIONS:

1)   Dice the peppers, onions, and peppers and put them on the side.
2)   Heat up about 1/8 cup of oil in the pan at medium high
3)   Stir in diced peppers and sauté for about 1-2 minutes

Cook the diced peppers for about 1-2 minutes, then add onion.

4)   Add diced onion, continue to sauté for another 5-6 minutes until well cooked, add oil as needed

5)   Add diced tomatoes, cook until like a sauce.

Cook tomatoes, onion, and peppers into a sauce.

6)   Add a dash of salt

6)   Drop in eggs directly over the pan, stir them in if you prefer them scrambled.  We scrambled them.

Drop eggs into mixture. You can cook them sunny side up over mixture or scramble them.

7)   Once well cooked or blended, remove from heat and let cool.

8)   Serve directly from pan with plenty of fresh bread!

Menemen, served with tea, cucumber salad, and fresh bread.

Afiyet Olsun! (Turkish phrase for “Enjoy your meal.”)