Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 20 min
Yield: 3
Çılbır (pronounced chil-bir) is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish featuring perfectly poached eggs served over garlicky yogurt, then drizzled with hot spiced butter. It's a simple yet elegant savory breakfast, perfect for a quick and easy brunch at home that still feels special.
Poaching eggs can seem intimidating, and I totally get that. But if you follow this recipe, you'll be able to nail perfect poached eggs without the stress.
Aleppo pepper, originally from Syria, is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean kitchens. It’s about half as hot as regular red chili flakes and far more flavorful. If you don’t have Aleppo pepper on hand, you can substitute a mix of red chili flakes and paprika.
Serve çılbır with your favorite bread—pita or toasted sourdough are both great options.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a dish that keeps well as leftovers—but honestly, I doubt you’ll have any left to store!
1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt (at room temperature)
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon Aleppo pepper
2 cloves garlic
Flaky salt to taste
Fresh dill (optional)
Mince the garlics and mix it with Greek yogurt in a small bowl.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the Aleppo pepper to it. Bring the heat to the lowest so just the butter can stay warm.
Bring a medium saucepan full of water to boil.
Gently crack an egg into a small fine sieve. Swirl the egg in the sieve so the liquidy part of egg whites drains out. Transfer the egg into a small bowl or a ramekin.
Turn the heat down so the water simmer. Use a spoon and stir water in the saucepan to make a vortex. Quickly add egg in middle of the vortex and cook it for 3 minutes. Don't touch the egg while cooking.
Meanwhile, line a tray with paper towel. Once egg is cooked transfer it with a slotted spoon to the tray so the excessive water can be absorb by the paper towel.
Repeat the same process of preparing and cooking for the rest of eggs.
Swirl the yogurt mixture into your serving plate. Transfer the poached eggs on top of the yogurt. Spoon the heated butter on top of it.
Sprinkle it with flakey salt. Garnish it with fresh dill (if using).
Serve it immediately with your favorite bread.
