Creamy Turkish Eggs (Çılbır)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (room temperature)
• 1 clove Garlic (minced or grated)
• Salt (to taste)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes)
• 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
• 4 Eggs (large, cold)
• 1 tbsp White vinegar (for poaching water)
• Fresh dill (chopped, for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   In a small bowl, combine the room temperature Greek yogurt with the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Divide the yogurt mixture between two serving plates or shallow bowls, spreading it out into a thick layer. Set aside.

2. 2

   In a small saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and olive oil together.

3. 3

   Add the Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes) and smoked paprika to the butter mixture. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the butter is foamy and the oil has turned a deep red color and smells fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. 4

   Fill a wide saucepan with water and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the white vinegar (this helps the egg whites coagulate).

5. 5

   Crack one egg into a small ramekin or fine-mesh sieve (to drain off excess watery whites). Gently slide the egg into the simmering water. Repeat with the remaining eggs.

6. 6

   Poach the eggs for 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.

7. 7

   Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the eggs from the water and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

8. 8

   Place two poached eggs on top of the yogurt base in each bowl.

9. 9

   Drizzle the warm spiced chili butter generously over the eggs and yogurt.

10. 10

    Garnish with freshly chopped dill and serve immediately with crusty bread or pita for dipping.

Notes

It is important that the yogurt is at room temperature so it doesn't instantly chill the warm poached eggs. If you don't have Aleppo pepper, a mix of sweet paprika and a pinch of cayenne is a good substitute.

Nutrition per serving

• breakfast
• brunch
• eggs
• vegetarian
• middle eastern
• high-protein
• healthy