Name: Çılbır: Turkish Eggs with Creamy Yogurt & Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 cup (240g) whole milk Greek yogurt; 1 Tbsp (15ml) extra virgin olive oil; 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, about ½ a small lemon; 1 clove garlic, peeled and grated or minced; 1 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped, plus more for garnish; 2 tsp fresh mint, finely chopped; ½ tsp kosher salt; 4 large eggs, recommended 2 per person; 1 Tbsp distilled white vinegar; Pita or crusty bread; Flaky sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 3 Tbsp (42g) unsalted butter; 1 tsp Aleppo pepper

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Get ready to elevate your mornings with Çılbır: Turkish Eggs with Creamy Yogurt & Butter Sauce, a dish that feels both luxurious and invigorating but is quietly simple at heart. Picture this: lush, garlicky yogurt brightened with fresh herbs, swirled beneath silken poached eggs, all crowned with a golden, spiced butter that begs to be scooped up with warm, crusty bread. Every spoonful offers a contrast of flavors and textures that turn breakfast into something special. Whether you’re winding down a busy week or aiming to impress weekend guests, Çılbır: Turkish Eggs with Creamy Yogurt & Butter Sauce brings the taste of a Turkish café right to your own kitchen table.

Çılbır: Turkish Eggs with Creamy Yogurt & Butter Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making Çılbır: Turkish Eggs with Creamy Yogurt & Butter Sauce is how the most humble ingredients create something unforgettable. Each component—from the tangy yogurt to the aromatic butter—plays a starring role, contributing to the harmony of flavors and textures that make this dish so memorable.

Greek Yogurt: Thick, whole milk Greek yogurt delivers a rich, creamy base with a welcome tang.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds depth and fruitiness, blending seamlessly into the herbed yogurt.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Just a splash for brightness; it lifts the yogurt and makes the whole dish pop.
Garlic: A little raw garlic packs a punch, infusing the yogurt with warm, zippy flavor.
Fresh Dill and Mint: Fresh herbs are key to topping Çılbır with color and a refreshing accent.
Kosher Salt: Seasoning the yogurt brings all the flavors together; don’t skip it.
Eggs: You’ll want very fresh, large eggs for poaching—look for golden, perky yolks.
Distilled White Vinegar: Just a spoonful ensures your poached eggs hold their shape perfectly.
Pita or Crusty Bread: Essential for scooping up the creamy yogurt and rich yolk—don’t let any sauce go to waste!
Flaky Sea Salt & Black Pepper: For finishing, they take each bite from delicious to irresistible.
Unsalted Butter: This is the heart of the sauce—melts into a rich, silken pool.
Aleppo Pepper: This mild, fruity chili lends gentle warmth and a stunning red color to the sauce.

How to Make Çılbır: Turkish Eggs with Creamy Yogurt & Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Herbed Yogurt

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together your Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, grated garlic, chopped dill, chopped mint, and kosher salt until the mixture becomes smooth and fragrant. Give it a quick taste—you should notice the subtle heat of garlic and a burst of citrus. Transfer the yogurt to the fridge while you prepare the eggs, letting the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Poach the Eggs

Fill a medium saucepan with water, adding at least three inches to allow the eggs to move freely. Stir in a tablespoon of white vinegar—it helps the egg whites firm up neatly. Bring the water to a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil. Crack each egg carefully into a small bowl, then slowly slide them one at a time into the just-simmering water. Poach for about three minutes; the whites should be fully set, while the yolks remain luxuriously soft.

Step 3: Drain the Poached Eggs

When your eggs are done, use a slotted spoon to lift them gently from the water. Place each egg on a plate lined with paper towel or a kitchen towel—this step guarantees your eggs won’t water down the yogurt. If cooking for a crowd, you can poach in batches and keep them resting until ready to serve.

Step 4: Make the Spiced Butter Sauce

Melt the unsalted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Once bubbling, sprinkle in Aleppo pepper and swirl the pan gently—watch as the butter turns a warm sunset red and fills your kitchen with its aroma. After just a minute, remove from heat to avoid burning the spices, keeping everything golden and fragrant.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve!

Spread the cool herbed yogurt in shallow bowls, forming a soft bed. Nestle two poached eggs on top of each, then drizzle generously with the melted Aleppo butter. Finish with a scattering of extra dill or mint, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and a grind of black pepper. Serve immediately, with crusty bread ready to capture every bit of yolk, yogurt, and spiced butter.

How to Serve Çılbır: Turkish Eggs with Creamy Yogurt & Butter Sauce

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh dill or mint takes this dish from beautiful to irresistible, both visually and in taste. Don’t forget those sprinkles of flaky sea salt and black pepper—you want every bite of Çılbır: Turkish Eggs with Creamy Yogurt & Butter Sauce to offer layers of flavor and texture. If you’re feeling bold, add a gentle dusting of extra Aleppo pepper for a vibrant finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This recipe truly shines alongside warm, crusty bread or pillowy pita, but feel free to get creative! Crisp cucumber slices, sliced tomatoes tossed in olive oil, or a fresh green salad round out the meal. With Çılbır: Turkish Eggs with Creamy Yogurt & Butter Sauce at center stage, a classic Turkish tea completes the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling Çılbır in individual ramekins for an elegant brunch, or serve everything on a large platter so guests can help themselves in true Turkish style. For a twist, offer roasted vegetables or a spoonful of harissa for extra color and flavor. However you present it, the marbled effect of yogurt, golden yolks, and red butter is always a feast for the eyes and tastebuds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the yogurt and poached eggs separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The herbed yogurt can last up to two days, staying thick and flavorful. Be sure to drain any excess water from the eggs before refrigerating to keep them at their best.

Freezing

While the spiced butter can be frozen for up to a month, I don’t recommend freezing the yogurt or poached eggs; their lovely textures just don’t hold up well once thawed. For freshest results, make Çılbır: Turkish Eggs with Creamy Yogurt & Butter Sauce right before serving.

Reheating

To reheat poached eggs, simply bring a pot of water to a gentle heat (not boiling), and warm each egg for 30-60 seconds. Stir up your reserved yogurt and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. Warm up the spiced butter over low heat, then serve everything together as if freshly made.

FAQs

What does Çılbır taste like?

Çılbır: Turkish Eggs with Creamy Yogurt & Butter Sauce is an incredible contrast of flavors—luscious, savory yogurt sharpened by herbs and garlic, warm runny yolks, and smoky, buttery heat from Aleppo pepper. It’s creamy, fresh, and deeply comforting all at once.

Can I substitute Aleppo pepper?

Absolutely! While Aleppo pepper is classic, you could use a mild paprika mixed with a pinch of cayenne for a similar warmth and color, or experiment with pul biber if you can find it in a Middle Eastern market.

Is Çılbır gluten free?

Yes, the dish itself is naturally gluten free! Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread if catering to dietary needs—otherwise, traditional pita or rustic bread do the job beautifully.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

Regular plain yogurt works in a pinch, but Greek yogurt’s thickness is preferred. To mimic the texture, strain your yogurt through cheesecloth or a coffee filter for an hour before using.

Can I make the eggs ahead of time?

Definitely—poached eggs can be made a day in advance! Store them in cold water in the fridge, then gently reheat in warm water when ready to serve. It’s a game-changer for brunch prep.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy breakfast that feels luxurious, or want to impress friends with something new, you simply have to try Çılbır: Turkish Eggs with Creamy Yogurt & Butter Sauce. Each bite is bright, comforting, and utterly satisfying. I hope this will become your new go-to for a lazy weekend morning or an impromptu brunch. Enjoy every swirl of yogurt and butter—you deserve it!