.svg)
Sign Up for new Healthy Recipes
Introduction
Kahvaltı, which literally means 'before coffee' in Turkish, is more than just a meal – it's a cherished ritual that brings families and friends together. This breakfast tradition dates back centuries, evolving from simple fare to the elaborate spreads we see today. In Turkish culture, a proper kahvaltı is a leisurely affair, often lasting hours on weekends, where people gather to share food, conversation, and strengthen bonds. The inclusion of olives and cheese is not just for flavor; these ingredients represent the agricultural bounty of Turkey's diverse regions, from the olive groves of the Aegean coast to the dairy farms of the Anatolian plateau. By preparing this healthy Turkish breakfast spread, you're not just nourishing your body, but also partaking in a time-honored tradition that celebrates community, hospitality, and the simple joys of good food.
Ingredients
• 6 large free-range eggs, room temperature
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 200g Turkish white cheese (beyaz peynir) or mild goat cheese, cubed
• 100g Kalamata olives, pitted
• 100g green olives, pitted
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 1 large cucumber, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 100g Turkish sucuk sausage, thinly sliced
• 200g fresh Turkish simit bread or bagels, sliced
• 100g honey, preferably Turkish flower honey
• 100g butter, softened
• 100g thick Turkish cream (kaymak) or clotted cream
• 50g walnuts, roughly chopped
• 50g pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped
• 100g cherry jam or preserves
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon za'atar spice blend
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step 1:
Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 6 minutes for soft-boiled eggs. Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
Step 2:
While eggs are cooking, slice the tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper. Arrange them on a large serving platter.
Step 3:
Crumble the feta cheese and cube the Turkish white cheese. Place them in separate areas on the platter.
Step 4:
In small bowls, place the Kalamata olives, green olives, walnuts, and pistachios.
Step 5:
Slice the Turkish sucuk sausage thinly and arrange on the platter.
Step 6:
Slice the simit bread or bagels and place them in a bread basket or on the platter.
Step 7:
In separate small bowls, serve the honey, softened butter, Turkish cream, and cherry jam.
Step 8:
Peel the cooled eggs, cut them in half, and arrange on the platter.
Step 9:
Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with za'atar spice blend.
Step 10:
Garnish the platter with fresh parsley and mint leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Q: Can I prepare components of this breakfast spread in advance?
A: Yes, most components can be prepared the night before. Just slice the bread and arrange the platter shortly before serving.
Q: What can I substitute for Turkish white cheese?
A: If you can't find Turkish white cheese, you can use a mild feta or goat cheese as a substitute.
Q: Is this breakfast spread suitable for vegetarians?
A: The spread is largely vegetarian-friendly. For a fully vegetarian version, simply omit the sucuk sausage.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the sucuk sausage and add extra vegetables or cheese.
• Turkish white cheese can be substituted with a mild feta if unavailable.
• Simit bread can be replaced with bagels or any crusty bread of your choice.
• Adjust the quantities based on the number of people you're serving; this recipe serves 4-6.
• For a lower-fat option, use low-fat cheeses and omit the butter.
• This spread contains nuts, dairy, and gluten. Ensure to check for any specific allergies.
• For best flavor, use high-quality, fresh ingredients, especially for the cheeses and olives.
Serve the platter family-style, allowing guests to build their own combinations. Encourage trying different pairings of cheeses, vegetables, and spreads on the bread.
Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume within 2-3 days. Bread should be stored at room temperature and consumed within 1-2 days.
Boil the eggs first, then prepare other components while they cool. Slice bread last to maintain freshness.
- For perfectly creamy soft-boiled eggs, ensure they're at room temperature before cooking.
- Drizzle honey over the Turkish cream (kaymak) for a traditional sweet and creamy combination.
- Balance the platter with a mix of colors and textures for an appealing presentation.
For a vegan version, replace eggs and dairy with hummus, baba ganoush, and a variety of marinated vegetables. Use vegan bread alternatives.
Serve with Turkish black tea or strong Turkish coffee. For a special occasion, offer fresh-squeezed orange juice or pomegranate juice.
This breakfast spread can be enjoyed year-round, but is especially refreshing in spring and summer when fresh produce is abundant.
This recipe contains eggs, dairy (cheese, butter, cream), gluten (bread), and nuts (walnuts, pistachios). The sucuk sausage may contain beef or lamb.
