January 26, 2024

Cilbir (Turkish Eggs) with Caviar

INGREDIENTS

Yogurt Spread:

1 cup Greek yogurt, at room temperature

1 clove garlic

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste (Optional)

1 pinch cayenne pepper

2 ½ tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, or to taste

Aleppo Butter:

½ stick unsalted butter

1 tablespoon Aleppo chile flakes

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Poached Eggs:

1 tablespoon white vinegar, or as needed

4 large eggs

1 pinch sea salt

For Serving:

Tsar Nicoulai Caviar of choice (we used Reserve)

Fresh dill sprigs

Toasted, crusty bread

METHOD:

1. Make yogurt spread: Place yogurt in a medium bowl and grate in garlic; mix to combine. Season with pepper, salt, and cayenne. Add dill and mix thoroughly. Set aside at room temperature.

2. Make Aleppo butter: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; heat until bubbles begin to burst. Add chile flakes, paprika, and cumin. Stir until color is uniform. Turn off heat and let spices infuse.

3. Make poached eggs: Fill a large saucepan with 2 to 3 inches of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, add vinegar, and keep water at a gentle simmer. Crack an egg into a small bowl, then gently slip egg into water, holding the bowl just above surface of water. Repeat with remaining eggs. Cook until whites are firm and yolks have thickened but are not hard, 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, pat dry on a kitchen towel, and place onto a warm plate.

4. Dollop yogurt mixture onto serving plates. Use the back of a spoon to spread yogurt, carving ridges into the top. Top with eggs and your desired amount of Aleppo butter. Generously top with Tsar Nicoulai Caviar. Garnish with dill sprigs.

5. Serve with toasted crusty bread and enjoy! Share with a loved one.