Description
Kuru Fasulye is a classic Turkish comfort dish made with tender white beans slowly simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. Simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying, it turns humble pantry ingredients into a hearty, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
2 cups dried white beans (navy beans or kidney beans)
3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
3 cups water or vegetable broth
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the dried beans in plenty of water for at least 6 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse well.
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until the mixture thickens into a sauce.
- Add paprika, cumin, thyme or oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to bloom the spices.
- If using, add the red bell pepper and cook for a few minutes.
- Add the drained beans and pour in the water or vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently until beans are tender and the sauce thickens, about 60–75 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning, remove from heat, and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar if desired before serving.
Notes
Soaking beans helps them cook evenly and improves digestion.
The dish thickens naturally as it rests.
Flavors deepen even more the next day.
Adjust liquid for a soupier or thicker consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
