Çılbır

Çılbır is a Turkish dish with poached eggs, garlic yoghurt and warm butter with chili flakes. Simple, filling and full of flavour.

Tid20 minutes
Servings2
DifficultyMedium
RegionTurkey

About this dish

Çılbır is a Turkish dish with poached eggs, garlic yoghurt and warm butter with chili flakes. Simple, filling and full of flavour.

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 300 g Turkish yoghurt or Greek yoghurt
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp pul biber or chili flakes
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Fresh dill or parsley for serving

Instructions

  1. Mix the yoghurt with grated garlic and a little salt. Spread the yoghurt onto two plates.
  2. Bring water to a boil in a wide saucepan and add the vinegar. Lower the heat so the water gently simmers.
  3. Crack one egg into a small cup and carefully slide it into the water.
  4. Poach the eggs for 3–4 minutes, until the whites are set and the yolks are still soft.
  5. Melt the butter with olive oil in a small pan. Stir in the pul biber and black pepper.
  6. Place the eggs on top of the yoghurt and pour the warm chili butter over them.
  7. Sprinkle with dill or parsley and serve right away.

Tips

  • Use room-temperature yoghurt so the dish does not become too cold.
  • Poach the eggs one at a time for better control.
  • Do not burn the butter. It should only become golden and spiced.
  • Serve Çılbır with warm bread, simit or toasted country bread.