Breakfast
Kaygana with Cheese and Herbs: Turkish Herb Omelette
Original name: Kaygana with Cheese and Herbs

About this dish
Kaygana is a humble Turkish omelette that sits somewhere between a crepe and a frittata, and it has been a fixture of Anatolian home cooking for centuries. This version folds in crumbled beyaz peynir or feta and a generous handful of fresh herbs, creating a soft, juicy set that is equally at home on a breakfast table or a light supper plate.
Unlike a French omelette, kaygana is often cooked a bit thicker and finished covered, so the eggs stay tender and the cheese melts into the herbs rather than browning. It is the kind of dish Turkish cooks make without a recipe, adjusting the herbs to whatever is in season, and it rewards the same loose, confident approach.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
Large eggs
protein6
Beyaz peynir or feta, crumbled
dairy150 g
Imperial measurement: 1 cup
Fresh parsley, chopped
herb20 g
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup
Fresh dill, chopped
herb10 g
Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup
Chives or scallion greens, sliced
herb15 g
Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp
Unsalted butter
fat20 g
Imperial measurement: 1 1/2 tbsp
Olive oil
fat1 tbsp
Whole milk
liquid60 ml
Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup
All-purpose flour
grain15 g
Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp
Fine sea salt
seasoning1/4 tsp
Freshly ground black pepper
seasoning1/8 tsp
Red pepper flakes (pul biber)
spice1/2 tsp
Method
Prep the herbs and cheese
PT6MPick the parsley and dill leaves, discard the tough stems, and chop finely. Slice the chives or scallion greens thinly. Crumble the beyaz peynir or feta into small, uneven pieces so it melts in pockets rather than blending completely into the eggs.
Whisk the egg base
PT2MCrack the eggs into a mixing bowl and add the milk, salt, and black pepper. If you want a slightly sturdier kaygana, whisk in the flour until smooth. Beat for about 30 seconds, until the yolks and whites are fully combined and the mixture is lightly frothy.
Fold in herbs and cheese
PT1MReserve a small pinch of herbs and cheese for the top, then fold the rest into the egg mixture with a spatula. Do not overmix; you want visible flecks of green and distinct pockets of cheese.
Heat the pan
PT2MSet a 24 cm (9 to 10 inch) non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil and swirl until the butter foams but does not brown.
Cook the kaygana gently
PT4MPour in the egg mixture and spread it evenly with a spatula. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is still slightly wet. Scatter the reserved herbs and cheese over the top.
Cover and finish
PT4MCover the pan with a lid and lower the heat to low. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes more, until the surface is just set and the cheese has softened. If you prefer a golden top, slide the pan under a hot grill for 1 minute instead of covering.
Rest and serve
PT2MSlide the kaygana onto a cutting board or plate and let it rest for 2 minutes so it firms up slightly. Cut into wedges, sprinkle with pul biber if you like, and serve warm.
Equipment
- 24 cm (9 to 10 inch) non-stick skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Lid for the skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
Nutrition facts
Tips
- Keep the heat moderate throughout, kaygana should be tender and juicy, not browned and rubbery, so cover the pan for the second half of cooking rather than blasting it with high heat.
- Beyaz peynir is saltier than many feta styles, so taste the cheese first and adjust the added salt accordingly.
- If you want a more substantial version, add a handful of blanched spinach or grated courgette to the egg mixture and squeeze out any excess water first.
- Leftover kaygana keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days and is excellent cold or gently reheated in a covered pan with a splash of water.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with warm flatbread or simit and a small bowl of olives for a full Turkish breakfast spread.
- Pair with a simple tomato and cucumber salad dressed with olive oil and lemon.
- Add a spoonful of thick yoghurt on the side to balance the salty cheese.
- For a light supper, serve alongside a bowl of lentil soup or sautéed greens.
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Recipe by
Kerem Demir
Specialises in Turkish cuisineKerem is a kebab master who shaves his own meat on a vertical spit. He is a carnivore's dream.
Describe yourself in three words: Meaty, vertical, juicy.