Turkish Eggs With Olives, Feta and Tomatoes (Menemen)
Scrambled eggs lend themselves to customization because they're a blank, breakfast- or brunch-friendly canvas. Almost any stir-in works: Add cheese or butter for richness, vegetables for heft and herbs and spices for flavor. If you like a little bit of everything in yours, then menemen –– the traditional Turkish egg dish loaded with peppers and tomatoes –– is for you. This version uses plump olives, crumbled feta and a pile of fresh herbs -- and comes together in less than 30 minutes.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 3tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 5scallions, white and green parts, finely chopped (see Tip)
- 2large red bell peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- 2large ripe tomatoes or 3 plum tomatoes (about 1 pound), finely chopped
- 1teaspoon red-pepper flakes
- Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4whole-wheat pitas or flatbread
- 8large eggs, beaten
- 6ounces feta, crumbled
- ⅓packed cup parsley or cilantro leaves, or a mix, chopped
- Meaty green olives (such as Cerignola or Castelvetrano)
Instructions
Step 1
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add half the scallions and cook until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the bell peppers and cook until slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, red-pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook until some of the liquid from the tomatoes evaporates, about 10 minutes.Step 2
Meanwhile, toast the pita or flatbread on an open flame on the stovetop over low heat, turning with long metal tongs, until toasted and warmed on all sides. Wrap well in a kitchen towel to keep warm.Step 3
When most of the liquid has evaporated from the tomatoes, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Add the eggs and let them cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until large curds form and the eggs are mostly cooked through but still slightly runny, about 3 minutes. Stir in the feta and cook until scrambled eggs are just cooked and feta is slightly melted, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with the parsley, cilantro and remaining scallions. Serve warm, with olives and pita on the side.