Turkish Eggs (AKA Cilbir) with Gluten-Free Sesame Toast, A Hormone Balancing Meal

If you have not tried a recipe for Turkish eggs, known as cilbir, then you are in for a big treat today! This traditional and nutritious recipe comes to you courtesy of Kelsey O’Hara (@happy_balancedlife), and it is scrumptious.

So what are the benefits of Turkish eggs? Well this is a hormone balancing breakfast that offers significant health benefits. This dish consists of poached eggs served over a bed of creamy yoghurt, but since we know many of our readers like to keep their diets gluten-free and dairy-free, we have suggested cocojune as a substitute to the yoghurt. Serve this alongside some healthy, gluten-free bread and you have yourself the perfect recipe to start your day. And the best way to order some fresh and organic gluten-free bread that can be delivered right to your door is here on our site.

Now let’s look at some of the particulars of the recipe. Eggs are rich in protein and essential nutrients such as vitamins D and B6, which play crucial roles in hormone regulation. Protein is important for your hormones because it provides the body with amino acids, the building blocks of your hormones. Protein-derived hormones play a significant role in many of the body’s functions including metabolism and growth. Protein also plays a role in the release of leptin and ghrelin, hormones that control your food intake and appetite. Then yoghurt, a probiotic rich food, supports your gut health which is closely linked to hormonal balance. Basically, your digestive system helps remove estrogen from the body, so disrupting gut flora can cause estrogen to leak back into your bloodstream. This will, of course, cause an imbalance. Probiotics help with the metabolism of estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and they can also balance cortisol and insulin. Yoghurt is also a source of natural fats, which curb your appetite. In fact, healthy fats like the ones found in yoghurt release hormones that help keep you satisfied.

The combination of these ingredients makes cilbir not only a delicious and satisfying meal, but a great way to maintain your hormonal health. To take this a step further, we are serving the eggs with our healthy gluten-free bread  which contributes to balancing hormones as well! It is high in protein, and it’s also high in fiber. Fiber keeps your gut microbiome healthy and happy, reinforcing that gut and hormone balance. Our bread also contains nuts and flaxseed, both of which assist with hormone balance. Flaxseed, aside from having fiber, promotes hormone balance because it is rich in plant-based estrogens, which also supports menstrual health. And nuts are also packed with healthy fats that aid with hormone production. So make sure to order some of our bread online to try with this meal. And if you want to make your life even easier, you can get a gluten-free bread subscription through our site!

Ingredients:

• Plantiful Kitchen Sesame Seed Bread

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup full fat yoghurt (can substitute with cocojune)

• ½ lemon, juiced and zested

• ½ garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 eggs

• Fresh dill for topping

Optional (Aleppo Chili Oil):

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Toast your slices of Plantiful Kitchen Sesame Seed Bread to desired crispiness.

2. To make the eggs: Place eggs into boiling water for six minutes, remove and place in an ice bath for five minutes. Peel the eggs and cut down the middle.

3. To make the yoghurt: Combine yoghurt (or cocojune) with lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a big pinch of salt. Stir well and set aside.

4. To make chili oil: Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the Aleppo pepper flakes and cook for around five minutes.

5. Assemble: Spread the lemon garlic yoghurt on a plate and place the jammy eggs on top. Garnish with chili oil, fresh dill, and cracked pepper. 

6. Get your slices of sesame seed bread, and use them to scoop up your yoghurt and eggs. Enjoy!