It is one of the most classic and beautiful recipes that you can choose for breakfast and as a practical dinner and enjoy both the eggs and vegetables. If you don't like it, you can also choose to make onions without onions. However, the roasted onions, tomatoes, peppers and eggs are very good. Enjoy your meal!
In a flat pan, heat the olive oil and butter and fry the diced onion and garlic until they turn pink.
Add the finely chopped green peppers and continue frying for a few more minutes. Add the peeled and diced tomatoes and saute until soft. Salt and spices, add a teaspoon of granulated sugar to take the sourness of the tomato and cook it until it remains slightly juicy.
4 When you are homogenized in a whisk and add the eggs to the mixture, add to the mixture, click for a few minutes in the consistency that will remain lightly juicy. Sprinkle grated cheddar according to desire, close the bottom of the fire and lid and love the freshly pulled black pepper. Enjoy your meal!
Note: You can prepare this recipe as simple without adding onion, garlic and cheddar cheese, or by adding minced meat or sausage, roasting, bacon, etc.
According to legend, when the Cretan Turks came to Menemen, they would gather herbs, tomatoes, and peppers, which were rarely used or unknown to the locals at the time, and use them in their dishes. The fact that Menemen is a region with abundant tomato production supports this story.
The Cretan Turks began combining some recipes they initially used in meat stews with eggs due to economic conditions or different tastes. In other words, they created a new dish using eggs instead of meat, enriched with tomatoes and peppers. This "egg-and-tomato" dish quickly became popular among the people of Menemen because of its quick preparation and nutritious nature.
Over time, this dish, named after its origin, the Menemen district of Izmir, spread throughout the country and became an indispensable breakfast dish. It was even registered with a geographical indication by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office under the name "Menemen Menemeni."
Differing Views and Etymology
There are also other theories regarding the origin of Menemen. For example, some researchers believe that the dish's name derives from variant pronunciations such as "melemen" or "melemeni" and that this word may be related to the Greek word "málagma" (paste, amalgam). However, this view is less accepted due to its strong connection to the Menemen district.
Another interesting point is that tomatoes entered Ottoman cuisine relatively late, in the 19th century. Therefore, it is generally accepted that menemen originated not during the Ottoman period, but rather in the early years of the Republic, with the proliferation of tomatoes.
The debate about whether menemen should be made with or without onions is as frequent as the dish's history. This demonstrates its flexibility and adaptability to different palates.
In short, the story of menemen is a tale of exchange, the reflection of cultural exchange in the kitchen, and a flavor adventure born of the creative use of local ingredients.
So, is your favorite menemen recipe with or without onions?
We have other recipes with the ingredients used here. Would you like to have a look?
Keep in mind: You can click on each ingredient to find other recipes that use that ingredient.
Egg:
Eggs are a highly bioavailable protein source, essential for muscle growth and repair. Rich in B12, Vitamin D, selenium, and choline, they support brain function, nervous system health, and energy production. Lutein and zeaxanthin pigments aid eye health, reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Despite their cholesterol content, eggs typically don't adversely affect blood cholesterol in most healthy individuals. A breakfast staple, eggs pair wonderfully with various ingredients like cheese, spinach, mushrooms, avocado, and whole-wheat bread.
Tomato:
Tomato is a fruit rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and helps protect skin cells against UV damage. With Vitamin C, it boosts immunity, while potassium contributes to blood pressure regulation. Lycopene absorption is enhanced, especially when consumed with olive oil. It is an indispensable ingredient for basil, garlic, mozzarella, and various salad and pasta dishes.
Green Pepper:
Green bell pepper is a vitamin C powerhouse, boosting immunity and supporting collagen synthesis. Its antioxidant content, including flavonoids, protects cells, while high fiber aids digestion. Low in calories and rich in potassium, it positively impacts blood pressure. It pairs wonderfully with chicken, red meat, onion, tomato, garlic, and olive oil, making it ideal for soups, salads, main dishes, and omelets.
Dry Onion:
Dry onion is a kitchen staple and a powerful antioxidant source. Its quercetin content helps protect the body against free radicals, reduces inflammation, and may support heart health. Rich in Vitamins C and B6, and manganese, it strengthens the immune system. Its prebiotic fibers contribute to digestive health. It is widely used in dishes ranging from meat dishes to vegetable sautés, pilafs, and soups. It pairs perfectly with garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and red meat.
Garlic:
Garlic, thanks to its allicin compound, offers strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can boost the immune system, increasing resistance against illnesses. Furthermore, it contributes to cardiovascular health by helping regulate blood pressure and balance cholesterol levels. Widely used in traditional medicine, garlic is also known for its digestive support effects. An indispensable ingredient in meat dishes, vegetable sautés, and Mediterranean cuisine, it pairs wonderfully with herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Liquid Oil:
Liquid oils (sunflower, olive, etc.) are essential kitchen ingredients that add flavor to dishes and contain healthy unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. Ideal for frying, salad dressings, baking, and sautéing. They pair perfectly with vegetables, meats, legumes, and grains. They offer easy cooking.
Butter:
Butter is a rich, flavorful fat derived from milk. It contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K2, along with healthy fatty acids, serving as an energy source. It's easily digestible. Butter enhances the taste of meals and rice dishes, is spread on bread, or used in sauces. It's indispensable for breakfast tables and various recipes.
Cumin:
Cumin is a powerful spice that supports digestion, reduces bloating, and stimulates digestive enzymes. Rich in iron, it possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It pairs excellently with legumes (lentils, chickpeas), red and white meats, vegetables, and yogurt-based sauces. Combined with coriander, turmeric, and chili, it creates deep flavors in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Kashar (Cheddar):
Kashar Cheese is rich in highly bioavailable protein, calcium, and phosphorus, supporting bone and dental health. B vitamins (especially B12) are crucial for nervous system function and energy. It aids muscle development and cell regeneration. Its mildly salty, aromatic taste makes it ideal for breakfasts, toasts, and omelets. It pairs excellently with tomatoes, olives, fresh basil, and thyme.
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