Turkish Eggs with Herbed Yogurt and Spiced Butter Recipe
Turkish Eggs, also known as Çılbır, is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish featuring perfectly poached eggs served over a creamy, garlicky yogurt and topped with a spiced melted butter sauce infused with chili flakes and smoked paprika. This delightful and elegant dish combines fresh herbs, tangy yogurt, and a flavorful buttery topping for a rich yet refreshing breakfast experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Yogurt Mixture
- 1 cup yogurt (Turkish or Greek)
- A handful fresh dill
- A handful fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Poached Eggs
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
For the Spiced Butter Sauce
- 2 oz butter (55g)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Herbed Yogurt: Finely chop the dill and mint leaves. Crush or grate half a garlic clove and mix with the yogurt. Season well with salt and pepper. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Poach the Eggs: Fill a deep pot with water and bring to a boil. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to the water and stir vigorously to create a vortex. Crack one egg into the center of the swirling water, poaching it for about three minutes to achieve runny yolk perfection. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Repeat for the second egg.
- Make the Spiced Butter Sauce: In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once bubbling, add the chili flakes and smoked paprika. Stir continuously until the spices are fully incorporated and the sauce is fragrant and ready.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thick layer of the garlicky herbed yogurt onto a serving plate or shallow bowl. Place the poached eggs gently on top of the yogurt base.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the warm spiced butter sauce over the eggs and yogurt. Garnish with additional fresh dill and mint leaves and freshly ground black pepper for extra aroma and flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor balance in the yogurt mixture.
- The vinegar in the poaching water helps the eggs hold their shape.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice tolerance.
- You can substitute regular yogurt with Greek yogurt if Turkish yogurt is not available.
- This dish is traditionally served as part of breakfast but works at any time of the day.
Keywords: Turkish Eggs, Çılbır, poached eggs, garlicky yogurt, spiced butter sauce, Turkish breakfast, poached eggs recipe
