Description
Turkish Eggs, also known as Cilbir, is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish featuring silky poached eggs served over a bed of creamy garlic-infused yogurt, topped with fragrant herbs and a luscious spicy melted butter sauce. This vibrant and comforting recipe balances creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect hearty start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Yogurt Mixture
- 1 cup Greek or Turkish yogurt
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- A handful of fresh dill, chopped
- A handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Eggs
- 2 fresh eggs
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (for poaching eggs)
Spiced Butter
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Yogurt: In a bowl, combine the Greek or Turkish yogurt with the minced garlic and chopped fresh mint and dill. Mix well to evenly distribute the herbs and garlic throughout the yogurt.
- Season the Yogurt: Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to the yogurt mixture and stir to taste, enhancing the overall flavor base of the dish.
- Poach the Eggs: Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and add the tablespoon of vinegar to help the egg whites coagulate. Using a spoon, create a gentle vortex by stirring the water and carefully crack each egg into the center of the whirlpool. Let the eggs poach for 2-3 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
- Make the Spiced Butter: While the eggs are poaching, melt the butter over medium heat in a small pan. Once melted, add the chili flakes and smoked paprika, stirring to combine and letting the spices infuse the butter until it becomes aromatic and slightly sizzling.
- Plate the Dish: Spread the prepared yogurt mixture evenly onto serving plates or one large plate. Gently place the poached eggs on top of the yogurt layer.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Pour the warm spiced butter over the eggs and yogurt, allowing the vibrant red butter sauce to create a beautiful contrast. Garnish with additional fresh mint and dill leaves for freshness and visual appeal.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Turkish Eggs immediately while warm to enjoy the contrasting textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs for the best poaching results with tender whites and runny yolks.
- If you prefer a firmer yolk, extend poaching time by 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust chili flakes quantity to control the spiciness of the butter sauce.
- This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to scoop up the creamy yogurt and buttery sauce.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones in a pinch, but fresh herbs provide the best flavor.
