Introduction
If you’ve ever visited Turkey, you’ve probably seen Menemen on every breakfast menu — a comforting, colorful mix of eggs, tomatoes, and peppers. It’s simple, quick, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor. This is the kind of dish that turns a few humble ingredients into pure happiness.
There’s an ongoing (and very passionate!) debate in Turkey: should Menemen include onions or not?
For me, the answer is clear — always with onions. But in true Turkish spirit, everyone should cook it their own way.
When I was a student in Istanbul, there was a tiny, old-fashioned Menemen place right across from the university. They served nothing but Menemen — in all imaginable variations: the classic version like this one, cheesy ones, and even spicy Sucuk (Turkish sausage) Menemen. Those breakfasts before class are some of my warmest memories — cozy, loud, and full of flavor.
Ingredients (for 2 servings):
6 small tomatoes (or 2 large ripe ones)
1–2 green peppers (Turkish or long sweet variety)
4 eggs
1 onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper
Turkish chili flakes (pul biber), optional
Fresh parsley, optional
1. Chop the onion, tomatoes and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until soft
3. Add the pepper and cook on medium heat for 3-5 minutes
4. Stir in the chopped tomates, turn down the heat a little. Let everything simmer until the tomatoes become saucy (5-7 minutes)
5. Crack the eggs into the pan and gently stir to combine everything. Season with salt, pepper and pul biber (optional).
6. Serve immediately while still hot, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy your menemen with fresh simit (Turkish sesame bread ring) or crusty white bread to scoop up every last bit of the delicious sauce!
Try it with crumbled feta, grated cheese or even Sucuk! Menemen invites you to experiment - mix, match, and make it exactly how you like!
Did you try this Turkish Menemen recipe? What's your take on the great onion debate?
Let me know in the comments!
