One-Pan Turkish Kaşarlı Menemen with Sesame Simit

This one-pan Turkish breakfast brings together soft eggs, sweet peppers, and ripe tomatoes in a rich, velvety sauce, all finished with melted kaşar cheese. Serve it straight from the pan with a crusty sesame simit ring for dipping.

It is quick enough for a weekday morning yet impressive enough for a weekend brunch. The entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Menemen is a beloved Turkish breakfast classic, and this version adds a generous layer of melted kaşar cheese for extra richness. The combination of sautéed green peppers, grated tomatoes, and softly set eggs creates a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for scooping up with bread.

The sesame simit ring adds a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy eggs. This recipe stays true to the traditional flavors while being simple enough for any home cook to master.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The method starts by sautéing the peppers in butter and olive oil, which softens them and brings out their natural sweetness. This step builds a flavorful base that infuses the entire dish.

Cooking the peppers slowly over medium heat allows them to release their moisture and become tender without browning too much, which would add a bitter note.

Grating the tomatoes instead of chopping them creates a smooth, thick sauce that clings to the eggs and cheese. Simmering the tomatoes with salt and pul biber concentrates their flavor and reduces excess liquid, so the menemen is rich and saucy rather than watery.

The eggs are then added and gently swirled into the sauce, creating soft, creamy curds while keeping the yolks glossy.

Notes and substitutions

Kaşar cheese is a Turkish semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery flavor and excellent melting properties. If it is not available, mozzarella or provolone are good substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different. Sivri biber are long, thin green peppers with a mild heat; Italian frying peppers or Anaheim chiles work well in their place.

Pul biber, or Turkish red pepper flakes, adds a gentle warmth and a fruity note. If unavailable, Aleppo pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can be used. The sesame simit ring is a traditional Turkish bread coated with sesame seeds; a crusty bagel or thick sesame bread can stand in if needed.

• kaşar cheese: Mozzarella or provolone can be used, but the flavor will be milder.
• sivri biber peppers: Italian frying peppers or Anaheim chiles work well.
• pul biber: Aleppo pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• sesame simit: A crusty bagel or thick sesame bread.

Equipment

• Copper sahan pan or large skillet
• Box grater
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula