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Turkish Eggs (Cilbir)

A classic Turkish breakfast of creamy garlic yogurt, perfectly poached eggs, and a sizzling spiced Aleppo pepper butter sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Turkish
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Garlic Yogurt
  • 1.5 cups full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 large clove garlic
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
For the Poached Eggs
  • 4 large eggs very fresh
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 pinch salt for water
For the Spiced Butter Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1.5 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tiny pinch salt optional
For Garnish & Serving
  • fresh dill or mint chopped
  • crusty bread or warm pita for serving

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Wide skillet or saucepan for poaching
  • Mixing bowls
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

  1. Prepare the garlic yogurt: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt with minced garlic or rub a halved garlic clove around the serving bowl first. Add a pinch of salt and mix until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Poach the eggs: Bring 3 inches of water, vinegar, and a pinch of salt to a gentle simmer in a wide pan. Crack eggs into cups. Swirl water into a vortex and slide in one egg. Poach for 3-4 minutes until whites are set but yolks are runny. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain. Repeat.
  3. Make the spiced butter: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. As soon as it melts, remove from heat and immediately stir in Aleppo pepper and smoked paprika. Let infuse for 1 minute.
  4. Assemble the dish: Divide the yogurt between two shallow bowls, creating a well. Place two poached eggs in each well.
  5. Drizzle the warm spiced butter sauce over the eggs and yogurt. Garnish generously with fresh dill or mint.
  6. Serve immediately with plenty of crusty bread or warm pita for dipping.

Notes

If you can't find Aleppo pepper, substitute with 1 tsp sweet paprika + 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste). Use full-fat yogurt for best texture.