Poached Eggs with Yogurt and Turkish Chili Butter (Çilbir) is a Gateway to a World of Flavor
Poached Eggs with Yogurt and Turkish Chili Butter (Çilbir) is a Gateway to a World of Flavor is a easy Turkish recipe that serves 2. 330 calories per serving. Recipe by J. Kenji López-Alt on YouTube.
Prep: 6 min | Cook: 6 min | Total: 17 min
Cost: $2.17 total, $1.09 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1.5 teaspoons Aleppo Chili Flakes (or substitute with ground ancho or Urfa chili flakes)
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (full‑fat, thick and strained)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (plus flaky sea salt for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Chives (thinly sliced; can substitute parsley or dill)
- 2 Large Eggs (fresh, at room temperature)
- 4 cups Water (for poaching, salted lightly)
- to taste Flaky Sea Salt (for finishing)
Instructions
Melt Butter and Infuse Chili
Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium‑low heat. When it begins to foam, add the Aleppo chili flakes and a pinch of salt, stirring gently until the butter is fully melted and the chili is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Do not let the butter brown.
Time: PT2M
Season the Yogurt
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, a pinch of salt, and the teaspoon of olive oil. Mix until smooth, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Time: PT1M
Slice Chives
Thinly slice the chives on a cutting board. Set aside for garnish.
Time: PT1M
Prepare Poaching Water
Fill a medium saucepan with about 4 cups of water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat so the water barely bubbles.
Time: PT2M
Poach the Eggs
Place a fine mesh strainer over the simmering water and crack each egg into the strainer to catch excess whites. Gently slide the eggs into the water, then swirl the water with a slotted spoon to keep the whites from spreading. Poach for 3‑4 minutes until whites are set but yolks remain runny.
Time: PT4M
Plate the Yogurt Base
Spoon the seasoned yogurt onto the center of each serving plate. Use the back of a spoon to create a shallow well for the eggs.
Time: PT1M
Add Poached Eggs
Using a slotted spoon, lift each poached egg, letting excess water drain, and place it gently into the yogurt well. Pat the bottom of the egg with a paper napkin to remove surface moisture.
Time: PT1M
Finish with Chili Butter and Garnish
Drizzle the warm Aleppo chili butter around and over the eggs. Sprinkle the sliced chives and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 330
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 6g
- Fat
- 28g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Dairy, Eggs
Last updated: April 17, 2026








