Turkish Eggs Recipe (Çılbır)

Turkish Eggs, or Çılbır, is a delightful breakfast dish that combines poached eggs with a garlicky yogurt sauce, drizzled with spicy butter. This dish is simple yet rich in flavors, and it’s perfect for anyone looking to try something new and exciting for breakfast or brunch.

What Are Turkish Eggs (Çılbır)?

Turkish Eggs, known locally as Çılbır, is a classic Turkish dish traditionally made with poached eggs placed over a creamy garlicky yogurt sauce, topped with a spiced butter sauce. It’s a hearty, satisfying, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for starting the day with energy.

The History of Turkish Eggs (Çılbır)

Çılbır is believed to date back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was a favorite among the sultans. The dish was originally considered a luxurious breakfast, thanks to its rich combination of eggs and yogurt. Over time, it became a staple in Turkish homes and is now enjoyed in various ways across the country.

Why You’ll Love This Turkish Eggs Recipe

This recipe is a great way to enjoy eggs in a unique and flavorful way. The yogurt gives it a creamy, tangy base, while the spiced butter adds depth and richness. It’s quick to prepare and can easily be made with simple ingredients. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal or looking for a new twist on your breakfast routine, Turkish eggs are an excellent choice.

Ingredients for Turkish Eggs (Çılbır)

To make Turkish Eggs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Yogurt Sauce:
  
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
    
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
    
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    
  • Salt, to taste
    
• For the Spicy Butter Sauce:
  
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor)
    
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
    
  • Salt, to taste
    
• For the Poached Eggs:
  
  • 2-4 eggs (depending on how many servings)
    
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar (to help with poaching)
    
• Garnishes:
  
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
    
  • Fresh dill (optional)
    

How to Make Turkish Eggs (Çılbır)

Making Turkish Eggs is a simple process, but it involves several steps. Here’s how to make this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce

In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Set it aside.

Step 2: Poach the Eggs

Fill a medium-sized pot with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add vinegar to the water. Gently crack the eggs into the water and poach them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny. Once done, carefully remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Butter Sauce

In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the paprika and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and cook for about 1 minute until the butter is fragrant and the spices are well incorporated. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spread the yogurt sauce on a serving plate. Place the poached eggs on top of the yogurt. Drizzle the spicy butter sauce over the eggs. Garnish with fresh parsley and dill.

Tips on Making the Best Turkish Eggs (Çılbır)

• Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs will give you the best poached texture.
  
• Adjust the spiciness: You can adjust the level of spiciness by using more or less red pepper flakes in the butter sauce.
  
• Substitute yogurt: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt gives a thicker, creamier consistency.
  

Substitutions and Variations

Turkish Eggs is a versatile recipe that can be adjusted based on your preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions:

• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free yogurt and substitute the butter with olive oil for a vegan version of Turkish eggs.
  
• Spicier: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce if you like more heat.
  
• Cheese: For extra richness, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top of the yogurt sauce before adding the eggs.
  

Perfect Poaching Tips for Turkish Eggs

Poaching eggs can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can get perfectly poached eggs every time:

• Fresh Eggs Are Key: The fresher the eggs, the better the poaching. Older eggs tend to spread out and lose their shape.
  
• Gentle Simmering: Keep the water at a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil). This will help the eggs cook evenly without breaking apart.
  
• Use Vinegar: Adding a tablespoon of vinegar to the water helps the egg whites stay together, making a perfect poached egg.
  

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories (depending on the number of eggs and the amount of butter used)
  
• Protein: 15g (from the eggs and yogurt)
  
• Fat: 18g (mostly from the butter and olive oil)
  
• Carbohydrates: 8g (from the yogurt and garlic)
  

How to Store Turkish Eggs

Turkish Eggs are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat the yogurt sauce and eggs separately to maintain the dish’s freshness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Turkish Eggs (Çılbır)

Turkish Eggs can be served on their own or with various sides. Here are some great ideas:

• Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or pita to soak up the delicious yogurt and butter sauce.
  
• Vegetables: Pair with a side of sautéed spinach or roasted tomatoes for extra nutrients.
  
• Potatoes: A side of crispy roasted potatoes or hash browns makes a complete meal.
  

Ways to Serve Turkish Eggs (Çılbır)

Turkish Eggs can be versatile in terms of serving styles. Here are some ideas to mix things up:

• On Toast: Place the yogurt and poached eggs on toasted sourdough or whole grain bread.
  
• As a Dip: Serve the yogurt sauce in a bowl and use pita bread or veggies for dipping.
  
• With a Salad: Pair Turkish eggs with a refreshing cucumber or tomato salad to balance out the richness.
  

Turkish Eggs Recipe

Turkish Eggs, also known as "Çılbır," is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish made with poached eggs on a bed of creamy yogurt, topped with melted butter and a blend of spices. It's a deliciously rich and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine Turkish

Servings 2 Servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (for poaching the eggs)

Instructions

 

• Poach the eggs: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add vinegar. Gently crack the eggs into the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
• Prepare the yogurt: In a bowl, mix the plain yogurt with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Melt the butter: In a small pan, melt the butter and stir in paprika and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Assemble the dish: Spoon the yogurt onto plates, then carefully place the poached eggs on top. Drizzle the spiced butter over the eggs.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh dill and more red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Feel free to add more spices like cumin or garlic for a unique twist! You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g

Keyword Çılbır recipe, Easy Turkish eggs recipe, Turkish breakfast ideas

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can use regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt gives a thicker texture and richer flavor, which complements the dish well.

2. Can I use pre-cooked eggs instead of poaching them?

Yes, you can use hard-boiled eggs, but the traditional Turkish version uses soft-poached eggs for that creamy, runny yolk.

3. Can I make Turkish Eggs ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the yogurt sauce and spicy butter sauce ahead of time. Poaching the eggs should be done fresh for the best texture.

4. What can I substitute for the spicy butter sauce?

If you prefer a milder version, you can use plain butter or drizzle olive oil with a little lemon juice instead of the spicy butter sauce.

You’ll Also Love:

• Shakshuka: Another egg-based dish that’s a bit spicier, with a tomato-based sauce.
  
• Menemen: A traditional Turkish scrambled egg dish with tomatoes and peppers.
  
• Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs: For a lighter twist on poached eggs, try avocado toast as a base.
  

Conclusion

Turkish Eggs (Çılbır) is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together poached eggs, creamy yogurt, and a spicy butter sauce in a way that’s truly irresistible. Whether you make it for breakfast, brunch, or any time of the day, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it today and explore the flavors of Turkish cuisine with this easy-to-follow recipe!