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Kiymali yumurta is a Turkish baked egg dish traditionally made with lamb mince, but this vegetarian version swaps the meat for a plant-based mince alternative and it is genuinely just as good. Warm, spiced, filling and the kind of dinner that makes everyone stop talking and just eat.
I’ve seen lots of recipes for Baked Eggs, and they look delish but I often don’t want meat in my main meal, or at all. Traditionally Kiymali yumurta (Turkish baked eggs) is made with lamb mince. Instead, I’ve used a meat free mince alternative for this Vegetarian Kiymali yumurta. Ingredients: 450-500g Meat-free mince Onion, chopped Garlic, minced or chopped Ground Cumin Ground Coriander Salt and Pepper Grated Cheese Handful Spinach Red Pepper, diced 400g Tinned Tomatoes Crushed Chillies Mixed Beans (I use the Mexican style ones) Paprika (smoked works best for depth of flavour) 4 to 6 Eggs, one per person Spring Onion, sliced
In a large pan brown your onions in a little oil, wait until they are a little see-through and soft. Add in your meat-free mince, beans, garlic, herbs and spices, the tinned tomatoes and red pepper. Simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes on a low heat. Taste, and add more herbs and spices if you need to. I always find I need an extra grind of salt.
When you are ready, place your meat-free mince mix into an oven safe dish and stir in your handful of spinach. With the back of a ladle, gently make some indents to crack your eggs into. That way they cook in little round spaces and are easy to scoop out.
Bake in the oven at gas mark 7, 220 degrees for about 20 minutes. You might like to cover with tin foil as they cook slightly quicker that way.
When your eggs are white, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle over your sliced spring onions, maybe add some extra chilli and a grate of your favourite cheese.
Vegetarian Kiymali yumurta can be served with salad, rice, pasta or enjoyed all by itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kiymali yumurta?
Kiymali yumurta is a Turkish dish of eggs baked in a spiced mince and tomato sauce. The name translates roughly as minced meat with eggs. It is similar to shakshuka but uses mince rather than just a tomato base, which makes it considerably more filling.
Can kiymali yumurta be made vegetarian?
Yes, easily. Swap the lamb mince for a plant-based mince alternative and you get the same spiced, rich base with the same texture. This recipe uses meat-free mince and works brilliantly. Adding mixed beans also helps bulk it out and adds protein.
What do you serve with kiymali yumurta?
It works well with flatbread or crusty bread for scooping, a simple green salad alongside, or just rice if you want something more substantial. It is filling enough to eat on its own straight from the oven dish.
How spicy is kiymali yumurta?
It depends entirely on how much chilli you add. This recipe uses crushed chillies which you can adjust to taste. Made with a small amount it has a gentle warmth rather than real heat, which makes it very family-friendly.
