Pirinç pilavı (buttery rice pilaf)
Cacık (yoghurt and cucumber)
Adana kebab
1 h 37 minMedium
Kuru fasulye (Turkish white bean stew) recipe
Overnight-soaked beans, butter, pepper paste and slow cooking. All the details for beans with intact skins and a rich, spoonable sauce.
- Time (+8 h resting)
- 1 h 45 min
- Makes
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- ~280 kcal
Method
Soak overnight
Soak the beans in plenty of cold water for at least 8 hours. This shortens the cooking time and makes them easier to digest.
Pre-boil
Drain the beans, boil them in plenty of water for 10 minutes and pour the water away.
Fry the onion and paste
Soften the onion in the butter until pink. Add the pastes and cook until fragrant.
Cook slowly
Add the beans and hot water. Once it boils, turn the heat low and cook with the lid ajar until the beans are tender. If it reduces, top up with hot water only.
Season and rest
Once the beans are tender, add the salt and chilli flakes and cook for 10 more minutes. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Tips
- Adding salt and paste too early slows the cooking. Salt once the beans are tender.
- Cold water makes the skins split, so always use hot water.
- For a meaty version, brown 200 g of diced meat before the onion and lengthen the cooking time.
Storage
Keeps in the fridge for 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. It tastes better the next day.
About Kuru fasulye (Turkish white bean stew)
Beans, rice and pickles make up what is often called the national meal of Turkish cuisine. Regional varieties such as Erzincan Tutak, Sivas or İspir beans are sought after.
Nutrition
| Energy | 280 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 15 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrate | 42 g |
Frequently asked questions
How long does kuru fasulye take in a pressure cooker?
Soaked beans cook in about 20 minutes over a low heat after the whistle. It varies by brand and bean, so check them.
Why do my beans stay hard?
Old beans, hard water, or adding salt and paste too early can all cause it. A small amount of bicarbonate of soda and a long soak help.
