Čimbur – An Easy Balkan Recipe for Minced Meat and Eggs

Čimbur – Mince with Eggs

Ever wondered what a typical Balkan breakfast might look like? Well, traditionally, breakfast is not an important meal in this part of the world. But when they do it, they do it properly. Čimbur is a popular breakfast dish made with minced meat and eggs. It is found most commonly in Bosnia Herzegovina but is also widespread across the Balkan Peninsula. Strong coffee and Byrek also appear at breakfast time in the Balkans.

This is a delicious, one-skillet recipe for spiced minced meat and eggs. Čimbur is similar to Shakshuka of North Africa and is found on restaurant menus all across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

When to Eat Čimbur

Čimbur can be eaten as a hearty breakfast, or really at any time of the day, as it is so quick and simple to prepare.

It is perfect for days when you have a large appetite but are short on time. Sometimes referred to as “Strong Eggs” it is not exactly a lightweight meal at around 900kcal. However, it is fantastic when its cold outside or you have a full day ahead.

To prepare Čimbur, you only need a few essential ingredients and it should take no more than about 20 minutes.

First, sauté the onions in a pan or skillet. Then, simply add the minced meat, ground paprika, chopped garlic and the tomatoes (or tomato sauce if you choose to use that). Finally, crack the whole eggs on top of the meat and slowly bake until set. You can cover the pan to heat the eggs faster but that can result in a skin forming over the eggs. I prefer not to use the lid for this reason and finish it off under the grill instead.

Sometimes a mixture of ground paprika and melted butter is added over the eggs. You can also drizzle the eggs with oil rather than butter if preferred. Lamb mince is traditionally used in Čimbur but it is tasty with beef or turkey mince as well.

Typically, Čimbur is served with lepinja – a soft white bread similar to Pita Bread. It is usually eaten with salad or tomatoes on the side – an attempt to balance out the protein a bit! To make Čimbur into an even more substantial meal, you can serve the meat and eggs over boiled potatoes, rice or even pasta with butter.

As it’s a Balkan dish, Čimbur is obviously a very meat heavy meal. To make it more vegetarian friendly you can replace the minced meat with Quorn – or other meat free alternatives. Or perhaps use mushrooms and other sautéed vegetables instead of the mince base.

Čimbur Recipe

Now that you are desperate to taste this delicious Balkan breakfast, here is what you need for our easy, make at home Čimbur recipe –

• 1 lb. (450g) minced meat (or veggie alternative)
• 1 large onion – chopped
• 2 cloves garlic – chopped
• 1 tablespoon Ajvar (or tomato puree or 5 fresh cherry tomatoes)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 4 eggs
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

This should be enough for 2 substantial servings.

Čimbur Preparation

Now follow our easy method for making delicious Čimbur –

• Turn on the hob to a medium-high heat and fry the onion in the skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter until the onion is soft
• Add all of the mince to the skillet and mix together with the onion
• Fry together for several minutes until the meat is no longer pink
• Add 1 tbsp. of ajvar (or tomato puree or chopped tomatoes) with two cloves chopped garlic and the paprika
• Continue to cook until all the meat juice has evaporated
• Season the mixture with salt and pepper as you like
• Make 4 holes in the meat mixture and crack the eggs into each space
• Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the eggs are cooked to your liking (usually for about 5-8 minutes if skillet is covered)
• Alternatively, put the skillet in the oven – preheated to around 175°C (350°F) – and bake
• Sprinkle some parsley to serve (if you like that kind of thing)
• Enjoy while its hot!

What next?

Inspired by Balkan food and drink? You might want to take a look at our recipe for making amazing Balkan Sausage. Another great hearty Balkan meat dish to enjoy.

Maybe you’re thinking of visiting the Balkans to try the delicious food and drink? Check out our Balkan FAQs page for loads of information on the area.

Have you tried this recipe at home or in the Balkans? Let us know by dropping a comment in the box. We would love to hear from you!

Čimbur – Mince with Eggs