Can I make this with Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe. It creates a tangier base that works beautifully with the spiced butter. Just make sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture, and you may need less water when blending.

I'm struggling with poached eggs. Any foolproof methods?

The mesh strainer method in this recipe is quite reliable, but for an even easier approach, try cracking your egg into a small bowl first, then creating a gentle vortex in the water with a spoon before sliding the egg in. The swirling motion helps the white wrap around the yolk. Also, adding vinegar to the water genuinely helps the whites set faster.

How spicy is this dish with the Aleppo pepper?

Aleppo pepper provides a mild, sweet heat rather than intense spiciness. It's more about flavor than fire. If you're sensitive to heat, start with 1 teaspoon instead of 2, or substitute with sweet paprika for all the flavor without the heat.

Can I prepare any parts of this ahead of time for a brunch party?

Yes! For entertaining, prepare the cheese spread and spiced butter in advance. Keep the cheese spread refrigerated and bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving. The butter mixture can be made ahead and gently rewarmed just before serving. Then just poach your eggs fresh as guests arrive.

Turkish Poached Eggs with Cottage Cheese Recipe

Name: Turkish Poached Eggs with Cottage Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 16 ounces cottage cheese, room temperature; ¼ cup feta cheese, room temperature; 2 garlic cloves; 1-2 Tablespoons water, as needed; 4 Tablespoons salted butter; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper; 4-5 cups water; 1 Tablespoon white vinegar (optional); 2-4 large eggs

Description

Turkish Poached Eggs with Cottage Cheese is a delightful and creamy dish with a harmonious medley of flavors. A creamy cottage cheese spread topped with perfectly poached eggs and drizzled with a buttery, Aleppo pepper-infused sauce makes this dish both comforting and full of Mediterranean flair. It’s a fantastic option for breakfast or brunch—simple yet packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cottage Cheese Spread

16 ounces cottage cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup feta cheese, room temperature
2 garlic cloves
1–2 Tablespoons water, as needed

Butter Drizzle

4 Tablespoons salted butter
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper

Poached Eggs

4–5 cups water
1 Tablespoon white vinegar (optional)
2–4 large eggs

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Instructions

Prepare the Cottage Cheese Spread
In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, feta cheese, and garlic cloves. Blend until smooth. Add water as needed to achieve a smooth spreadable consistency. Once ready, set it aside.
Create the Butter Drizzle
In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat along with the olive oil and Aleppo pepper. Stir occasionally until the ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
Poach the Eggs
Fill a large pot with water and add a dash of white vinegar, if using. Crack one egg into a fine mesh sieve to drain any watery egg whites. Stir the water to create a vortex, then gently slide the egg into the center of the water swirl. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the whites are set while the yolks remain soft. Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the poached egg onto a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat for the remaining eggs.
Assemble the Dish
Spread the prepared cottage cheese mixture onto a serving plate. Place the poached eggs on top. Drizzle the Aleppo butter sauce liberally over the eggs. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Aleppo pepper is mild and slightly smoky; you can substitute it with red pepper flakes if needed.
To ensure perfect poached eggs, use the freshest eggs you can source.
If you don’t have a food processor, mash the cottage cheese and feta with a fork for a more textured spread.
Serve this dish alongside some warm crusty bread or pita, which is perfect for scooping everything up.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 455kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 870mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 21g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 320mg