Savory and Sweet Tomato Egg Scramble (Menemen)
A Taste of Turkish Home Cooking: Easy and Delicious Tomato Egg Scramble (Menemen) Recipe
Introducing Menemen, a classic Turkish dish where the tangy flavor of ripe tomatoes meets the soft texture of eggs for a delightful combination. The addition of crisp onions and bell peppers creates a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s a satisfying and delicious meal, perfect served over warm bread or rice. Anyone can easily follow along, so give it a try!
Main Ingredients- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 2 fresh eggs
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1/2 onion
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 tsp chicken stock
- 70ml water
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 pinches salt
- A pinch of black pepper
For Serving- Baguette bread
- Cooked rice (as desired)
- Baguette bread
- Cooked rice (as desired)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, crack 2 fresh eggs into a bowl. Whisk them gently with a fork or whisk until you have a smooth, beaten egg mixture. Ensure there are no lumps for the best texture.
Step 2
Prepare the vegetables: remove the stems from the cherry tomatoes and halve them. Core and wash the green bell pepper and onion under running water, then chop them into small, bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the halved tomatoes. Chopping them small ensures they cook evenly.
Step 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped green bell pepper, and onion to the pan. Sauté for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant.
Step 4
While sautéing, gradually add a mixture of 1 tsp chicken stock and 70ml water. This will help deglaze the pan and add moisture and depth of flavor to the vegetables. Pour all the liquid in at this stage.
Step 5
Once the vegetables are partially cooked, pour in 1 cup of tomato puree. Season with 2 pinches of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and 1 tsp of dried oregano. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6
After simmering, remove the lid. Slowly and evenly pour the beaten egg mixture over the simmering tomato base. Let the eggs set slightly, then gently stir with a chopstick or spatula for about 1 minute until the eggs are just cooked through and have a soft, scrambled consistency. Avoid over-stirring to maintain a tender texture.
Step 7
Serve the freshly made Menemen hot. It’s absolutely delicious enjoyed with crusty baguette bread for dipping, or spooned generously over a bowl of warm rice. Bring the comforting taste of Turkish home cooking to your table!
