Name: Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika or Aleppo pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 to 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; Fresh dill or parsley, chopped; Crusty bread for serving

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If you’re craving something extraordinary for breakfast or brunch, look no further than Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir. This beloved Turkish dish is a vibrant feast that effortlessly combines creamy garlicky yogurt, perfectly poached eggs, and a drizzle of spiced butter that turns every bite into a celebration. With a handful of simple ingredients, Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir proves that a meal doesn’t have to be complicated to be downright unforgettable!

Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component brings its own unique flavor and texture, so don’t skip any! They might seem simple, but together they create a symphony for your taste buds.

Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat for the creamiest, richest base; it balances the heat and adds tang.
Garlic: Just a clove, minced finely, infuses the yogurt with subtle savory depth.
Salt: Essential for lifting all the flavors, especially in the yogurt.
Unsalted Butter: This is what gives the sauce its irresistible richness and makes the dish luxurious.
Olive Oil: Adds silkiness and a fruity note to the warm butter sauce.
Paprika or Aleppo Pepper: Paprika is easy to find, but Aleppo pepper adds an earthy, gentle heat typical of Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a little spicy kick! Add to taste.
Eggs: Fresh, large eggs are best for beautiful poached results; two per person makes a hearty serving.
White Vinegar: Helps the eggs keep their shape as they poach gently.
Fresh Dill or Parsley: A flourish of green for fresh flavor and gorgeous color.
Crusty Bread: Use to scoop up every drop of yogurt and spiced butter—the ultimate finishing touch!

How to Make Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir

Step 1: Prepare the Garlicky Yogurt

Start by stirring together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Be sure to mix until absolutely smooth—the garlic should be evenly distributed so every bite sings with flavor. Let this mixture sit on the counter while you prepare the rest of the dish; leaving it out brings the yogurt just slightly toward room temperature, making it even silkier on your tongue.

Step 2: Make the Spiced Butter Sauce

In a small skillet, melt the unsalted butter with olive oil over medium heat. When the butter foams, sprinkle in your paprika (or Aleppo pepper) and, if you want a little extra heat, red pepper flakes. Watch as the spices color the butter a dazzling red; then quickly take the pan off the heat to keep the aromatics vibrant and the flavors bold. Keep this sauce warm—you’ll want it ready to drizzle.

Step 3: Poach the Eggs

Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil. Add the vinegar; this helps your eggs hold their shape, giving picture-perfect poached eggs every time. Crack each egg into a small cup, then swirl the water and gently slide them in one at a time. After 3 to 4 minutes, the whites will be set while the yolks remain gloriously runny. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on a paper towel. Poached eggs are the heart of Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir, so savor this step!

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spoon the garlicky yogurt onto a plate or into shallow bowls, creating a luscious bed for the eggs. Gently place the poached eggs on top—don’t worry if the yolks peek through! Pour over the warm spiced butter; it will sizzle and swirl into the yogurt in the most satisfying way. Finish with generous sprinkles of fresh dill or parsley for that signature fresh, herby touch.

How to Serve Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir

Garnishes

The classic garnish is a scattering of chopped dill or parsley, which lends a fresh, aromatic lift and infuses the dish with color. A final pinch of Aleppo pepper or paprika on top brings drama and a little more warmth—presentation matters as much as taste with Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir!

Side Dishes

A hunk of warm, crusty bread is non-negotiable for scooping up all those flavors. Try a rustic sourdough or thick slices of country loaf. For a fuller spread, add a simple salad of cucumbers and tomatoes dressed with olive oil and lemon—refreshing, crisp, and the perfect contrast to the yogurt and eggs.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir in individual shallow bowls for a brunch party, or make one large platter for sharing at the table. If you’re feeling fancy, dot extra spiced butter around the edges of the yogurt for a “sauce ring” effect. Sprinkle on crushed toasted walnuts or seeds for a bit of texture—it’s not traditional, but it’s delicious and eye-catching!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir left, you can refrigerate the yogurt and spiced butter in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep the poached eggs separate, as they taste best when freshly made. Just remember—the flavors are most vivid when fresh, but leftovers can be a treat too!

Freezing

While the yogurt mixture and butter sauce can technically be frozen, the texture will change and the taste won’t be quite the same after thawing. For the best experience, enjoy Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir fresh, as poached eggs especially don’t freeze and reheat well.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the spiced butter in a small pan until just melted and pourable. Let the yogurt come to room temperature on the counter so it’s creamy, not chilled. If you must reheat poached eggs, dip them for 30 seconds in just-simmering water, but be gentle to avoid overcooking the yolks.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes! Full-fat plain yogurt works brilliantly, just be sure to drain off some of the whey using a cheesecloth or coffee filter for a thicker consistency. This keeps your Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir luscious instead of runny.

What’s the best way to achieve runny yolks?

Poach the eggs in gently simmering water for exactly 3 to 4 minutes, removing them as soon as the whites are just set. If you’re unsure, nudge them gently with a spoon—the yolks should jiggle a bit.

Is Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir spicy?

It’s as spicy as you make it! Aleppo pepper and paprika are more about flavor and color than serious heat, but add red pepper flakes if you’re a fan of spice. Adjust the amount to your taste and even make it mild if you prefer.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir is naturally gluten-free without bread, so just swap the bread for gluten-free toast or veggie sticks like cucumber wedges for scooping.

How do I prevent my poached eggs from sticking or becoming ragged?

Adding vinegar to the poaching water helps the whites firm up quickly so they hold together. Swirl the water gently and slide each egg in close to the surface for smooth, neat poached eggs every time!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like breaking into a dish of Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir and letting the flavors meld together on your plate. It’s comforting yet exotic, easy enough for a weekday, special enough for a celebration. Treat yourself to this taste of Turkey, and don’t forget the bread for the very last swipe!

Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

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Description

Turkish Inspired Eggs – Cilbir is a delicious and flavorful breakfast dish featuring poached eggs served on a bed of garlicky yogurt, drizzled with spiced butter, and garnished with fresh herbs. This Turkish-inspired recipe is easy to make and perfect for a weekend brunch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Garlicky Yogurt:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Spiced Butter:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika or Aleppo pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Poaching Eggs:

2 to 4 large eggs
1 tablespoon white vinegar

For Garnish and Serving:

Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Crusty bread for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Garlicky Yogurt: In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with minced garlic and salt until smooth. Set aside at room temperature.
Make the Spiced Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Stir in the paprika and red pepper flakes, then remove from heat and keep warm.
Poach the Eggs: Bring a saucepan of water to a gentle simmer and add the vinegar. Crack the eggs into a small cup and gently slide them into the simmering water. Poach for 3 to 4 minutes until set.
Assemble: Spread the garlicky yogurt on a plate, place the poached eggs on top, drizzle with spiced butter, and garnish with herbs. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.