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Cilbir Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt

An Ottoman-era Turkish dish of silky poached eggs nestled on garlicky yogurt, drizzled with sizzling butter infused with Turkish red pepper and dried mint. Elegant, comforting, and ready in 20 minutes.

20 minMediumServes 2320 cal/serving

TurkishBreakfastStovetopVegetarianHigh ProteinLow CarbGluten-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt, room temperature
  • 2 garlic clove, minced or grated
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp Turkish red pepper flakes (pul biber) or Aleppo pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried mint
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar (for poaching)
  • 6 cups water (for poaching)
  • 2 tsp fresh dill (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, combine 1 cup room temperature full-fat plain Greek yogurt with 2 minced or grated garlic clove, 2 tsp fresh lemon juice, and half of the 1/2 tsp salt. Stir well and spread onto plates.

  2. 2

    Fill a wide saucepan with 6 cups water (for poaching) and add 1 tbsp white vinegar (for poaching). Bring to a bare simmer over medium heat - small bubbles only, not a rolling boil.

  3. 3

    Crack each of the 4 large eggs into a small cup. Create a gentle vortex in the water with a spoon, then slide the eggs in one at a time. Poach for 3-4 minutes until whites are just set but yolks remain runny.

  4. 4

    While eggs poach, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Let it bubble until it turns golden-brown and smells nutty, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat immediately and stir in 1 tsp Turkish red pepper flakes (pul biber) or Aleppo pepper and 1/2 tsp dried mint.

  5. 5

    Use a slotted spoon to lift the poached eggs from the water. Blot gently on a paper towel. Eggs are ready when the white is fully set and opaque.

  6. 6

    Place eggs on top of the garlic yogurt. Season with the remaining salt.

  7. 7

    Spoon the sizzling spiced butter generously over the eggs. Garnish with 2 tsp fresh dill (optional, for garnish) if using and serve immediately with crusty bread.

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Questions

What can I use instead of Aleppo pepper in Cilbir Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt?

The entry for Cilbir Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt calls for 1 tsp Turkish red pepper flakes (pul biber) or Aleppo pepper. In its place: Use sweet paprika with a small pinch of cayenne, about four parts to one.

Can I make Cilbir Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt less spicy?

Yes. The heat in Cilbir Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt comes from 1 tsp Turkish red pepper flakes (pul biber) or Aleppo pepper. For a milder plate, halve the pul biber; nothing else in the method changes.

Is Cilbir Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt, room temperature, 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 large eggs. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan breakfast collection.

Does Cilbir Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt contain eggs?

Yes: 4 large eggs. The full allergen list for this entry is dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How long does Cilbir Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt keep?

Refrigerate what is left of Cilbir Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

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