Kuru Fasulye, a staple of Turkish cuisine, is a hearty and comforting bean stew that’s beloved across Turkey. This simple yet flavorful dish is often served with rice or crusty bread and is a must-try for anyone interested in exploring authentic Turkish home cooking. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through making Kuru Fasulye at home, a dish that shares its comforting qualities with other Turkish favorites like Kumpir.
What Is Kuru Fasulye?
Kuru Fasulye is a classic Turkish dish made with white beans, tomatoes, and onions, simmered together with a variety of spices. It’s a versatile dish that can be made with or without meat, depending on your preference. Similar to Kumpir, which is loved for its simplicity and comfort, Kuru Fasulye offers a warm and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients for Fasulye
2 cups dried white beans (such as navy beans or cannellini beans)
1 large onion (chopped)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can diced tomatoes (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups water or broth
Optional: 200g diced beef or lamb for a meat version
Instructions
Prepare the Beans: Rinse the dried beans and soak them in water overnight. Drain and rinse them again before cooking. This step ensures that the beans cook evenly and become tender.
Cook the Meat (Optional): If you’re making a meat version, start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set it aside.
Sauté the Onions: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent.
Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and cumin, cooking for a minute until fragrant. If you’re using diced tomatoes, add them at this point and stir well.
Cook the Beans: Add the soaked beans to the pot along with the water or broth. If you’re making the meat version, return the browned meat to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Season and Serve: Once the beans are cooked, season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your Kuru Fasulye hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It pairs wonderfully with rice or a slice of crusty bread, making it a perfect comfort meal just like Kumpir.
Tips for Making the Best Kuru Fasulye
Soaking the Beans: Don’t skip soaking the beans overnight. This not only reduces cooking time but also improves the texture.
Using Broth: For a richer flavor, consider using beef or vegetable broth instead of water.
Meat Options: If you’re adding meat, lamb or beef works well, but you can also experiment with sausage or smoked meat for different flavors.
The Comfort of Kuru Fasulye
Much like Kumpir, Kuru Fasulye is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Its rich flavors and hearty texture make it a satisfying meal, especially during colder months. Whether you choose the vegetarian version or add meat for extra heartiness, Kuru Fasulye is a dish that showcases the simplicity and depth of Turkish cuisine.
Try making Kuru Fasulye at home, and experience the flavors that have made this dish a beloved classic in Turkey for generations.