Everyday MealsTurkish FoodDurban Indian

Turkish Eggs

Make authentic Turkish Eggs with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

4.8·33 reader ratings
Rate this recipe:
D
By DenisiyaPublished on April 5, 2022
Turkish Eggs
⏱️
Prep Time15 mins
🍳
Cook Time3 mins
⌛
Total Time18 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 1-2
Denisiya on YouTube @eatmeerecipes
@eatmeerecipesOfficial Channel

Cook Along With Denisiya on YouTube

Join over 60,000+ home chefs for weekly authentic Durban Indian cook-alongs, Instant Pot masterclasses, and family heritage recipes.

Subscribe (Free)60,000+ Subscribers • 900+ Videos

This Recipe Serves 1-2

Turkish Eggs which is known as Çilbir (pronounced chil-burr) is a delicious breakfast consisting of a cooling yoghurt base, topped with poached eggs & drizzled with a chili butter oil.

Çılbır is recorded to being eaten by Ottoman sultans as far back as the 15th century.

This Turkish dish is best served immediately with some crispy bread to wipe every last bit of the rich & silky yogurt!

🥗

Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Serves 1-2
Advertisement
👩‍🍳

Step-by-Step Instructions

24 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Firstly, start off by preparing the yoghurt base so that the flavours can infuse together.

  2. Step 2

    Add the plain yoghurt to a bowl.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Add in salt & cracked black pepper.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Grate or mince in the clove of garlic.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Add in a squeeze of lemon.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Throw in some freshly chopped dill – as much or as little as you prefer.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Mix well.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Set the yoghurt aside to infuse flavours.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Now onto the poached eggs. Crack one egg at a time into a small sieve to remove any of the “watery” whites (for better shaped poached eggs).

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Then transfer the eggs to separate small bowls (which makes it easier to pour them into the water).

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Add water to small pot & add in the white vinegar (this will help stop the eggs from dispersing in the water).

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    Bring the water to a gentle boil (fine air bubbles begin to rise).

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    When the water is ready, mix it with a spoon to create a vortex & then pour the first egg into the center of the pan. You can add in more than one egg to the pot – once the first egg move to one side, you may pour in the second egg. I’ve opted to doing them individually but this is completely up to you.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Swirl the water around the egg so it can take form & allow to cook for 2-3 minutes, depending on how soft you want the yolk to be, then use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water to stop them from overcooking & place onto a paper towel.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Continue until all the eggs are poached, thereafter bring out a plate & spoon the yoghurt over, spreading it out with back of a spoon.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Place the poached eggs over the yoghurt.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    My last egg got a bit too well done so please mind that one – it was still delicious though.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Season the eggs with some salt.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Now, start with the chili butter oil by adding the butter to a pan on medium heat.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Next, add in olive oil, paprika & Aleppo pepper or chili flakes.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    Mix well.

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Pour that fragrant chili butter oil over the eggs.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Garnish with fresh dill (optional).

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Serve immediately with Simit, pita bread or some chunky rustic bread of your choice.

    Step 24 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Turkish Eggs.

Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Turkish Eggs

Can I adjust the spice and chilli levels in Turkish Eggs?

Absolutely! You can easily tailor the heat by increasing or reducing the chili powder and fresh chilies to suit your family’s palate without compromising the authentic flavor profile.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Turkish Eggs in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

How do I reheat leftovers for best flavor?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

Comments & Community

0

Have you tried this recipe or have questions for Denisiya? Join the conversation below.

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this recipe!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *