Breakfast

Kaygana with Cheese and Herbs: Turkish Herb Omelette

Original name: Kaygana with Cheese and Herbs

A golden Turkish kaygana omelette with fresh herbs and crumbled white cheese sliced into wedges on a rustic plate.
Prep
10 mins
Cook
10 mins
Servings
3
TurkishEasyBreakfastBrunchLight SupperVegetarianGluten FreeHigh Protein

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

protein

6

Beyaz peynir or feta, crumbled

dairy

150 g

Imperial measurement: 1 cup

Fresh parsley, chopped

herb

20 g

Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup

Fresh dill, chopped

herb

10 g

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

Chives or scallion greens, sliced

herb

15 g

Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp

Unsalted butter

fat

20 g

Imperial measurement: 1 1/2 tbsp

Olive oil

fat

1 tbsp

Whole milk

liquid

60 ml

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

All-purpose flour

grain

15 g

Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp

Fine sea salt

seasoning

1/4 tsp

Freshly ground black pepper

seasoning

1/8 tsp

Red pepper flakes (pul biber)

spice

1/2 tsp

Method

1

Prep the herbs and cheese

PT6M

Pick 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.

2

Whisk the egg base

PT2M

Crack 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.

3

Fold in herbs and cheese

PT1M

Reserve 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.

4

Heat the pan

PT2M

Set 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.

5

Cook the kaygana gently

PT4M

Pour 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.

6

Cover and finish

PT4M

Cover 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.

7

Rest and serve

PT2M

Slide 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

420 kcal
Calories
19 g
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
23 g
Fat
1 g
Fiber
620 mg
Sodium

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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Kerem Demir

Recipe by

Kerem Demir

Specialises in Turkish cuisine

Kerem 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.