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Turkish Eggs (Cilbir)

Turkish Eggs (Cilbir): Your New Favorite High-Protein Breakfast

Turkish Eggs (Cilbir) is a high-protein delight featuring poached eggs on herbed yogurt, drizzled with a spicy butter sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Yogurt Base
  • 1 cup Yogurt A creamy foundation that adds tang and richness; Greek yogurt can be a great alternative if not available.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill Adds a bright burst of flavor; feel free to substitute with herbs like mint or parsley.
  • 5 leaves Fresh Mint Leaves Enhances freshness in the yogurt; perfect for a refreshing touch.
  • 0.5 clove Garlic Provides aromatic depth; start small to avoid overpowering and adjust to taste.
For the Poached Eggs
  • 2 large Eggs The star of the dish; use the freshest eggs for the best poaching results.
  • 1 tablespoon Vinegar Helps the egg whites coagulate swiftly for perfect poached eggs; essential for that classic Cilbir texture.
For the Spiced Butter Sauce
  • 2 ounces Butter Creates a rich sauce that elevates the dish; unsalted butter is ideal for controlled seasoning.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes Adds a lively kick of heat to the sauce; adjust according to your spicy preference or substitute with sweet paprika for a milder option.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Delivers a warm smoky flavor that enhances the overall profile, complementing the dish beautifully.

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • Deep pot
  • Small skillet
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Finely chop a handful of fresh dill and mint, crush or grate half a clove of garlic. In a medium bowl, combine these herbs and garlic with one cup of yogurt, seasoning it with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Fill a deep pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of vinegar. Stir the water to create a gentle vortex, then crack two fresh eggs into the center. Poach for about 2-3 minutes until the whites are set but yolks remain runny. Remove with a slotted spoon.
  3. In a small skillet, melt 2 ounces of unsalted butter over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Stir in one teaspoon of chili flakes and 0.5 teaspoon of smoked paprika, mixing well. Allow to sizzle for a minute, then remove from heat.
  4. Spread the herbed yogurt on a plate, place poached eggs on top, drizzle with the spiced butter, and garnish with extra mint, dill, and black pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 19gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 370mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Enjoy Turkish Eggs (Cilbir) fresh for optimal taste. Adjust spices as preferred for a personalized kick.

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