Food writer Meera Sodha has shared a recipe she describes as so impactful it "changed my life." Her take on Turk-ish eggs with lemon yoghurt is a vibrant, scoopable dish that puts a distinctive spin on a classic.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
This recipe is inspired by the traditional Turkish dish menemen, a hearty combination of eggs, tomatoes, and peppers. Sodha's version, while not claiming to be authentic, incorporates her own signature touches. The result is a warming, comforting meal that she suggests could make a "sizeable dent" in your culinary routine, thanks to its bold flavours and versatility.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The magic of this dish lies in its contrasting elements. A rich, spiced tomato and pepper sauce forms the base, into which eggs are cracked and just set. The real game-changers are the toppings: a zippy lemon yoghurt and a rose harissa-infused oil. These provide a creamy, tangy, and gently fiery lift that defines the recipe. A final sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds essential crunch.
From a practical standpoint, Sodha highlights its flexibility. It can be served for brunch, lunch, or dinner and happily reheated if you have leftovers—a boon for fans of make-ahead meals.
How to Make Meera Sodha's Turk-ish Eggs
The recipe, which serves four, requires 10 minutes of preparation and 45 minutes of cooking. Key ingredients include Greek yoghurt, a lemon, rose harissa paste, green peppers, tinned tomatoes, and six large eggs. The process begins by toasting pine nuts, then whipping up the lemony yoghurt and harissa oil.
The main sauce is built by softening onions and peppers before adding garlic, sun-dried tomato paste, harissa, and chopped tomatoes. Once simmered, fresh parsley is folded through. The eggs are then cracked directly into the sauce, covered briefly, and gently marbled through for that perfect, just-set consistency.
To serve, spoon the egg and tomato mixture into bowls, then top generously with the lemon yoghurt, a drizzle of harissa oil, and the toasted pine nuts. Warmed flatbreads are essential on the side for scooping up every last bit.
This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with thoughtful technique and bold flavours, can create a truly memorable dish suitable for any time of day.
