Turkish cuisine is a delectable expression of tradition, where each dish tells a story of heritage, blending flavors from the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Central Asia. From savory kebabs to aromatic baklava, it offers a culinary journey like no other. However, one dish that truly stands out is Cilbir.
Cilbir, a dish rooted in Ottoman history, is an exquisite blend of textures and flavors. Often referred to as “Turkish Eggs,” its a simple yet exquisite dish that captures the essence of Turkish breakfasts. It consists of poached eggs draped in creamy yogurt, drizzled with a rich, spiced butter sauce, and garnished with fresh herbs. The contrasting textures and flavors create a harmonious and unforgettable taste experience.
What makes Cilbir truly special is its ease of preparation and the explosion of flavors it delivers. This dish can be whipped up in minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or lazy brunches. The creamy yogurt balances the richness of the eggs and butter, while the spices add a delightful kick. Cilbir is a personal favorite Turkish dish not only for its simplicity but also for the way it dances on the taste buds, leaving one craving more with every bite.
SERVINGS
1
PREP TIME
10 mins
COOK TIME
10 minutes
CUISINE
Turkish
Recipe Essentials
For Poached Eggs:
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tbsp Vinegar
For Yoghurt Base
- 1 Cup Greek Yoghurt, at room temperature
- 1 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt, adjust according to taste
- 1 Lemon’s Zest, add lemon juice if preferred
For Spicy Butter Oil
- 1 tbsp Aleppo Pepper, can use cayenne instead
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
For Assembly
- Dill, or other fresh herbs like mint
- 2-3 Cherry Tomatoes, roasted
- 1 Jalapeño or any pepper, roasted
- Any Rustic Bread, toasted
- Pinch of Salt Flakes, optional
Directions
- Yoghurt Sauce : Add Yoghurt to a mixing bowl along with rest of the Yoghurt base ingredients and mix. If you prefer tangy sauce, add some lemon juice to the mix.
- Spicy Butter Oil : In a hot pan add butter and oil. Once the butter melts, add the peppers. Let it bloom before removing from heat. \
- Perfect Poached Eggs : Crack an egg into a strainer and let the extra thin egg white to separate. In a deep pot with boiling water add 1 tablespoon of vinegar and create a vortex. Reduce the heat and add the egg to the middle of the vortex. Cook for about 3 minutes to get the perfect egg with a runny yolk. Remove the egg with a slotted ladle and go on to cook the next egg.
- Plating : Spread the yoghurt on a plate and place the poached eggs on it. Drizzle the Aleppo Butter oil and garnish with lots of dill or other fresh herbs. Place the cherry tomatoes and jalapeño near the eggs. If preferred, sprinkle some salt flakes on top. Dive into the deliciousness with a crispy bread and enjoy !
Flavorful Footnotes
- Use fresh eggs for perfectly poached eggs.
- Dill can be additionally added to the Yoghurt to make it more herby.
- You can use just butter for the sauce if preferred. I like adding the olive oil as it adds an additional fruity note.
- If you can’t find Aleppo Pepper, you can surely use any other flaky pepper. I sometimes use Gochugaru as well. I add a pinch of Paprika for the color.
An absolute must-try! Be ready to be hooked on to it and make Chilbir a cherished dish in your culinary repertoire.
Flavorsome Musings 