Description
Turkish Eggs, or Cilbir, is a delightful breakfast dish featuring cool, tangy yogurt and perfectly poached eggs, topped with a vibrant chili-infused butter. This elegant and satisfying recipe is perfect for a leisurely brunch or a special treat any time of day.
Ingredients
- Fresh eggs
- Plain full-fat yogurt
- Garlic (1-2 cloves)
- Salt (to taste)
- Unsalted butter (3-4 tablespoons)
- Pul Biber (1-2 teaspoons) or regular red pepper flakes
- Smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh dill or mint (optional)
- Crusty bread, pita bread, or sourdough (for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine thick, plain, full-fat yogurt. Grate or finely mince 1-2 cloves of garlic into the yogurt and add a good pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly and let sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Fill a wide, shallow pot or deep skillet with about 3-4 inches of water and add a splash of white vinegar. Bring the water to a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into a separate small ramekin. Create a gentle swirl in the simmering water and slide one egg at a time into the center. Cook for about 3-4 minutes for perfectly set whites and runny yolks. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain excess water.
- In a small saucepan, melt 3-4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in 1-2 teaspoons of Pul Biber (or red pepper flakes) and a pinch of salt. Optionally, add smoked paprika. Be careful not to burn the spices.
- To assemble, spoon a generous amount of the garlicky yogurt onto a shallow plate. Place one or two poached eggs on top and drizzle the chili butter over the eggs and yogurt. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if using. Serve immediately with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 300 mg
Keywords: For perfect poached eggs, ensure you use fresh eggs and a gentle simmer in the water. Bring the yogurt to room temperature before serving for the best flavor balance. Feel free to adjust garlic and spice levels to your preference.