Turkish Eggs Cilbir Recipe: A Delicious Breakfast Dish

Name: Turkish Eggs Cilbir Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 eggs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup greek yogurt; 2-3 garlic cloves; salt and pepper; 1/2 tsp lemon juice; a pinch of aleppo pepper; 1 and 1/2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp olive oil; 50 grams boiled chickpeas; fresh dill; salt and pepper

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast dish, look no further than Turkish eggs cilbir! This dish is a staple of traditional Turkish cuisine, and it’s easy to see why. With its combination of fried eggs, creamy yogurt, and flavorful spices, Turkish eggs cilbir is a true treat for the taste buds.

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing a recipe for Turkish eggs cilbir, as well as some tips and tricks for making the perfect batch. We’ll also be exploring the history of this beloved dish and how it has evolved over time.

What is Turkish Eggs Cilbir?

Turkish eggs cilbir is a dish made with fried eggs that are served on a bed of creamy yogurt. The dish is seasoned with Aleppo pepper and black pepper, and is often served with boiled chickpeas and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as dill. The yogurt is typically flavored with garlic and lemon juice, which gives the dish a tangy, zesty flavor.

Turkish eggs cilbir has been enjoyed in Turkey for centuries and is a popular breakfast dish throughout the country. The dish is also known as “eggs with yogurt” or “eggs in garlicy yogurt sauce.” It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day.

What you’ll need to make Perfect Cilbir

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients used in the Turkish eggs cilbir recipe, and explore some possible alternatives:

Eggs: Eggs are the star of the show in this recipe and provide the protein and richness that makes this dish so satisfying. For vegetarians or those who prefer to avoid eggs, tofu can be used as a substitute.
Olive oil: Olive oil is used to fry the eggs and it is also added on the top while serving. It adds flavor to the dish. Other oils, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil, can be used as alternatives.
Butter: Butter is used to adds richness to the dish. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut oil or vegan butter can be used.
Aleppo pepper: Aleppo pepper is a mild, fruity pepper that is commonly used in Turkish cuisine. If you can’t find Aleppo pepper, paprika or red pepper flakes can be used as substitutes.
Black pepper: Black pepper adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish. If you don’t have black pepper, you can use white pepper or cayenne pepper instead.
Boiled chickpeas: Chickpeas add a bit of texture and protein to the dish. If you don’t have chickpeas, you can use skip it.
Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy base for the dish. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut yogurt or a non-dairy yogurt made from nuts or soy.
Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the yogurt mixture. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or minced garlic from a jar.
Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings for this dish.
Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, acidic flavor to the yogurt mixture. If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice.
Dill for garnish: Dill adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish. If you don’t have dill, you can use parsley, cilantro, or mint instead.

How to make Turkish eggs Cilbir?

Yogurt sauce preparation

In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Fried eggs preparation

Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are set, and the yolks are still runny. Once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the pan.

Chili-Butter Sauce Preparation

In a pan, heat 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add 1 teaspoon of Aleppo pepper and 1/4 cup of boiled chickpeas to the pan. Cook the chickpeas in the butter and oil mixture for about a minute, until they are slightly browned and crispy. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.

Final assembling

To serve, spoon the garlicy yogurt sauce onto a plate or bowl. Place the fried eggs on top of the yogurt sauce. Spoon the chickpea and Aleppo pepper mixture over the eggs and yogurt sauce. sprinkle some salt and pepper. Garnish the dish with fresh dill. Serve the Turkish eggs cilbir with toasted bread or pita and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Batch

Be sure to use a non-stick frying pan to prevent the eggs from sticking.
Don’t overcook the eggs – the yolks should still be runny.
Use high-quality Greek yogurt for the best flavor.
Adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you like a spicier dish, add more Aleppo pepper.
Serve the dish immediately after preparing it for the best flavor and texture.

what to serve with cilbir?

To complement the flavors of cilbir, here are some suggestions for what you can serve with it:

Warm Turkish bread or pita: Cilbir is typically served with bread for dipping, and warm Turkish bread or pita is a great option.
Tomatoes and cucumbers: A fresh and light salad of sliced tomatoes and cucumbers with a squeeze of lemon juice and some olive oil would be a great accompaniment to cilbir.
Olives: Olives are a common ingredient in Turkish cuisine and can be a great addition to your cilbir meal.
Grilled or roasted vegetables: Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, would add a nice touch of smokiness to your cilbir meal.
Turkish sausage: Sucuk is a spicy Turkish sausage that would make a delicious addition to your cilbir breakfast.

Try Other Turkish Recipes

Turkish Lahmacun

Turkish Adana Kebab