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Classic Turkish Çılbır (Garlic Yogurt with Poached Eggs and Spiced Butter)

Classic Turkish Çılbır (Garlic Yogurt with Poached Eggs and Spiced Butter)

Dinner
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
10min
Servings
4
Calories
420
Chef's Note

To master the signature temperature contrast of Çılbır, never use cold yogurt straight from the fridge. Letting the garlicky yogurt sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes ensures it won't shock the hot poached eggs, while preventing the yogurt from splitting as it would if heated directly on the stove.

Tags
turkish
eggs
yogurt
budget-friendly
vegetarian
quick-dinner
middle-eastern
comfort-food
Ingredients
  • 2 cups Full-fat Greek yogurt (room temperature)

  • 2 pieces Garlic cloves (finely grated)

  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt

  • 4 tbsp Unsalted butter

  • 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper (or pul biber)

  • 1/4 tsp Ground cumin

  • 8 pieces Large eggs (very fresh)

  • 1 tbsp White vinegar

  • 2 tbsp Fresh dill (chopped)

  • 1 tbsp Fresh mint (chopped)

  • 4 slices Crusty sourdough bread (sliced and toasted)

Instructions
  • 1

    In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk the room-temperature Greek yogurt, grated garlic, and kosher salt together until silky, light, and aerated. Divide the mixture evenly among four shallow serving bowls, using the back of a spoon to create a shallow well in the center of each. Set aside at room temperature.

  • 2

    In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Once the butter begins to foam, stir in the Aleppo pepper and ground cumin. Swirl the pan gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the butter turns a deep red color and smells fragrant and slightly nutty. Remove from heat and set aside in a warm spot.

  • 3

    Fill a wide, deep skillet or saucepan with about 3 inches of water, add the white vinegar, and bring to a very gentle simmer over medium heat (bubbles should barely break the surface, not boil).

  • 4

    Crack one egg into a small ramekin or a fine-mesh sieve to drain any loose, watery whites. Gently swirl the simmering water with a spoon to create a mild whirlpool, then slide the egg into the center. Repeat with up to 4 eggs at a time to avoid overcrowding.

  • 5

    Poach the eggs for 3 to 4 minutes until the whites are fully opaque and set, but the yolks remain soft and liquid. Carefully lift each egg out with a slotted spoon and let it rest briefly on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess water. Repeat the process for the remaining 4 eggs.

  • 6

    Gently place two warm poached eggs into the center well of each prepared yogurt bowl.

  • 7

    Drizzle the warm, spiced red butter generously over the poached eggs and yogurt.

  • 8

    Garnish the bowls with the chopped fresh dill and mint. Serve immediately with warm, toasted crusty sourdough bread for dipping.

Nutrition Information (per serving)
420
Calories
22g
Protein
24g
Carbs
26g
Fat

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