Turkish Poached Eggs with Yogurt – Çılbır

By Editor On Aug 23, 2025

Turkish poached eggs with yogurt, or çılbır, is one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together with the simplest ingredients.

Start by mixing creamy yogurt with a touch of garlic, herbs and a pinch of salt, then spread it onto a plate. Poach the eggs until the white sets but the yolk stays golden and runny, and place them right on top of the yogurt. Melt butter, stir in Aleppo pepper or chili flakes, and pour it over the eggs so the spiced butter sizzles and streaks the dish with a gorgeous red glow. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and you’ve created a plate that looks café-worthy in minutes.

The beauty of çılbır lies in its contrasts. Cool, garlicky yogurt meets the richness of the egg and the warmth of spiced butter.

Best of all, it’s ready in minutes and uses ingredients most of us already have on hand. Serve it with warm, crusty bread to scoop everything up and you’ll see why this dish has been loved in Turkey for centuries. It’s humble, honest food, the kind that makes you slow down and savor.

How to make Turkish Poached Eggs

Begin with preparing the yogurt base. In a bowl, stir together thick yogurt, minced garlic, parsley (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth. Spread it evenly over two serving plates. For the best flavor and texture, keep the yogurt at room temperature rather than cold.

Next, poach the eggs. Bring a medium pot of water to a gentle simmer and add a splash of vinegar. Crack each egg into a small cup, then carefully slide it into the water. Poach for 3–4 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny. Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels.

Then, make the spiced butter. In a small pan, melt the butter with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat until foamy. Add Aleppo pepper (or a mild chili) and stir for 10–20 seconds, just until fragrant. Remove immediately from the heat to prevent burning.

After that, assemble the dish. Place the warm poached eggs on top of the yogurt base and drizzle generously with the spiced butter. Sprinkle with fresh dill or parsley for a burst of freshness.

Finally, serve right away with warm crusty bread to scoop and dip.

Other egg recipes you may like to try

Try this amazing Shakshuka, a bright tomato sauce with poached eggs, spiced just right for a hearty, comforting breakfast or brunch.

These Tortilla Egg Muffins are easy grab-and-go breakfast muffins made with tortillas, eggs, and your favorite fillings.

Try this No-Yeast Breakfast Pizza, a crispy crust topped with eggs, cheese, and breakfast favorites, the perfect morning treat, made with a no-yeast yogurt dough.

This Mushroom Egg Galette is a rustic galette filled with mushrooms, eggs, and herbs for a cozy, elegant breakfast or brunch.