Delicious Kuru Fasulye Recipe: Authentic Turkish Bean Stew

Explore the real tastes of Turkish food with our traditional kuru fasulye recipe.

This hearty bean stew is a favorite in Turkey, loved all year but more in the cold months. It’s a warm and filling meal that highlights Turkish cooking’s simple yet rich flavors.

Our recipe for authentic kuru fasulye has tender white beans cooked slowly in a flavorful tomato and pepper broth. It’s seasoned with chili and high-quality tomato paste. You can make it with lamb or beef, or enjoy it without meat for a vegetarian or vegan option.

Step into the world of Turkish cuisine and taste the comforting flavors of this classic bean stew. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to Turkish recipes, our guide will help you make a delicious kuru fasulye. It will take you straight to the heart of Turkey with every bite.

Kuru fasulye is a hearty bean stew loved in Turkey. It’s made with white beans, tomatoes, and spices. This dish is rich in flavor and nutrients, loved by many for generations.

Kuru fasulye is very popular in Turkey. You can find it in workers’ restaurants, enjoyed by everyone. It’s affordable and tastes great, making it a favorite for Turkish families.

In Turkey, you can find kuru fasulye in almost every household and restaurant. It’s a dish that brings people together and reminds us of the simple pleasures in life.

Kuru fasulye is not just tasty, but also nutritious. White beans, the main ingredient, are full of health benefits:

• High in fiber, promoting digestive health and feelings of fullness
• Excellent source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle growth and repair
• Rich in vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and magnesium
• Low in fat and calories, making it a healthy choice for weight management

Eating kuru fasulye is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal and get important nutrients.

To make a delicious kuru fasulye, knowing the key ingredients is crucial. Each part adds to the rich, hearty taste that makes this Turkish bean stew so loved.

The heart of kuru fasulye is the dried white beans, like cannellini or haricot beans. Soaking them overnight makes them soft and ready to cook evenly. This soaking time makes the beans creamy when cooked.

Cannellini beans are especially good because of their buttery taste and soft texture. They’re perfect for this stew.

Tomato paste and red pepper paste are key for the stew’s flavor. Tomato paste adds a deep tomato taste and a hint of sweetness. Red pepper paste brings a gentle heat and a bright red color.

Together, they create a unique flavor that makes kuru fasulye stand out from other bean stews.

Kuru fasulye can include meat like lamb or beef, or be vegetarian. Meat adds a rich flavor, protein, and texture. But, the stew is also great without meat, letting the bean and spice flavors shine.

For a meaty version, consider using:

• Diced lamb or beef
• Turkish sucuk sausage for added spice and flavor
• Chicken, for a lighter option

The beauty of kuru fasulye lies in its versatility, as it can be enjoyed with or without meat, making it a dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

Follow these steps to make a delicious Kuru Fasulye, Turkey’s favorite bean stew. It’s easy to cook and worth the effort for its hearty flavor.

1. Start by soaking 1 lb. of dried white beans, like Dermason or Ispir, overnight. This helps them cook faster and taste better.
2. The next day, drain and rinse the soaked beans.
3. In a big pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped onions in olive oil until they’re golden.
4. Add tomato paste, red pepper paste, and black pepper to the onions, stirring well.
5. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium broth and 2 cups of water, or use all water for 6 cups of liquid.
6. Add the drained beans, whole chili peppers, and sliced green peppers to the pot.
7. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
8. If using meat, like lamb or beef, add it after 30 minutes of cooking to make it tender.
9. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface to keep the broth clear.
10. Season the stew with salt once the beans and meat (if using) are tender.
11. Simmer for another 15 minutes to let the flavors fully absorb into the beans.
12. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

“Kuru Fasulye has recently gained cult status in Turkey, becoming a popular and inexpensive street food.”

Using a pressure cooker can cut down cooking time. Cooking pre-soaked beans in a pressure cooker takes 10-15 minutes, depending on tenderness.

By following these steps, you can make a delicious Kuru Fasulye at home. The cooking time may vary, but the result is always worth it.

Kuru Fasulye, the traditional Turkish bean stew, is best enjoyed with the right sides. These sides enhance its rich flavors and textures. They make the dish even more satisfying.

One favorite way to enjoy Kuru Fasulye is with steamed rice, or pilaf. The rice is fluffy and aromatic, perfect for soaking up the stew’s sauce. A dollop of creamy yogurt on the side adds a cool, tangy contrast.

Other sides like cacık, a yogurt and cucumber dip, are also popular. It’s cool and creamy, with a hint of garlic and mint. Turkish pickles, or turşu, add a crunchy, tangy touch to the meal.

A simple salad of fresh greens, tomatoes, and onions with lemon and olive oil is also common. It cuts through the stew’s richness, making the meal balanced and satisfying.

Serving Kuru Fasulye with an array of complementary side dishes and salads enhances the overall dining experience, allowing diners to enjoy a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors.

The basic recipe for kuru fasulye is the same across Turkey. But, different regions have their own twists. Some like it thicker, while others prefer it more watery. The tomato flavor can also vary, depending on local tastes and what’s available.

On the Black Sea coast, they add a lot of butter for a richer taste. In the Mediterranean, olive oil is used for a lighter version. The spiciness can also change, with some areas liking it milder and others preferring it hot.

Vegetarian and vegan versions of kuru fasulye are gaining fans. They skip the meat and use vegetable stock, onions, garlic, and tomato paste for flavor. Some add carrots or celery for extra nutrition and sweetness.

Lamb and beef are common in kuru fasulye. But, some places use sucuk, a spicy sausage, for a smoky flavor. Chicken or turkey can also be used for a leaner option, making the dish lighter but still satisfying.

These changes show how versatile kuru fasulye is. It can be enjoyed by many, with different tastes and dietary needs.

Kuru fasulye is a traditional Turkish bean stew that shows the beauty of Turkish cuisine. It’s a comforting meal loved by many in Turkey for generations. Its hearty flavors and health benefits make it a favorite worldwide.

This dish is loved for its easy recipe and flexibility. It suits many tastes, from meat lovers to vegetarians. Kuru fasulye brings warmth and joy to any meal, making it a favorite for both home cooks and chefs.

When you make this Turkish bean stew, focus on using the best ingredients. Also, be patient as the flavors blend. By following this recipe and adding your own twist, you’ll enjoy the real taste of Turkish cuisine.