Çilbir (Turkish-style poached eggs in garlicky yogurt)
Soft poached eggs on a bed of garlicky yogurt topped with herbs and red pepper flakes, çılbır is a versatile dish generally enjoyed as a hot meze
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 2 persons
Ingredients
- 1large garlic clove
- 400g strained natural yogurt
- 2tbsp apple cider, grape or white wine vinegar
- 2eggs
- 2tbsp olive oil
- 2tsp pul biber or red pepper flakes
- 1tsp dill or parsley , finely chopped
- flatbreads or crusty bread , to serve
Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the garlicky yogurt about 30 mins before poaching the eggs, to bring to room temperature. Finely chop the garlic and sprinkle over a pinch of salt. Using the flat side of the knife, gently squash the garlic to turn it into a fine paste. In a small bowl, beat the yogurt with the garlic, then spoon onto two serving plates to provide a nest for the poached egg.Step 2
Fill a small pan with hot water, add a pinch of salt and the vinegar (this will help to seal the egg whites) and bring to the boil. Stir the water to create a whirlpool and crack in the first egg.Step 3
As the egg spins and the white sets around the yolk, stir the water ready for the next one. Poach each egg for 2-3 mins so that the yolk remains soft.Step 4
While the eggs are poaching, pour the olive oil into a small pan over a low-medium heat and stir in the pul biber. Gently infuse for 30 seconds, then remove from the heat.Step 5
Lift the poached eggs out of the water with a slotted spoon and put them on a couple of sturdy paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, then gently lay them on the garlic yogurt. Drizzle the infused oil over the eggs and season with salt to taste. Scatter with chopped dill or parsley and serve immediately with bread, if you like.