Çılbır with Turkish-Style Parsley Pesto – A Refined Breakfast Delight
Çılbır is a classic Turkish breakfast of poached eggs served over yogurt. This version adds a vibrant twist with a fresh parsley-mint pesto made with almonds, highlighting the verdant flavors. The aromatic spiced oil elevates the dish, making it both visually stunning and rich in taste — perfect for a cozy morning.
🕒 Prep & Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 2
🥄 Ingredients
For the Yogurt:
- 300 g Greek yogurt
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon water
Parsley Pesto:
- 1/4 bunch parsley
- 3-4 mint leaves
- 1 tablespoon peeled almonds
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 7–10 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Aromatic Oil:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 teaspoon pul biber (or chili flakes and sweet paprika mix)
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
Poached Eggs:
- 2–4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- Salt
👩🍳 Instructions
- Mix the Greek yogurt with water and a pinch of salt until smooth. Divide evenly onto two plates and smooth with the back of a spoon.
- In a small food processor, combine parsley, mint, almonds, garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly add olive oil to create a vibrant pesto. Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice as needed.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the oil and butter. Stir in pul biber and cumin, letting the spices infuse for about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the poached eggs:
- Bring water, vinegar, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a pot.
- Remove from heat.
- Crack one egg into a small cup, then gently slide it into the hot water.
- Use a spoon to gather the egg white around the yolk gently, swirling the water lightly.
- Let cook for about 3 minutes.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place over the pesto on the yogurt.
- Repeat for remaining eggs, reheating water between batches as needed.
- Spoon aromatic oil generously over the poached eggs and yogurt. Serve immediately with toasted bread.
💡 Tips
- All components (yogurt, pesto, oil) can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Reheat the oil before serving.
- The pesto quantity is generous and can be stored for other meals or served alongside grilled meats.
- Use fresh herbs and good-quality olive oil for best flavor.
🎉 Perfect For
- A light yet flavorful breakfast or brunch
- Fans of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine
- Impressing guests with an elegant, healthy dish
📝 Final Thoughts
This take on Çılbır combines creamy yogurt, fresh herbal pesto, perfectly poached eggs, and spiced aromatic oil to create a harmonious breakfast experience. Its vibrant colors and balanced flavors make it both a feast for the eyes and the palate.