Taze Fasulye Braised Beans in Olive Oil
Braised beans in olive oil or Taze Fasulye (Turkish green beans) is a popular, simple, and delicious Turkish dish made with green beans, tomatoes, onions, and olive oil. It’s typically served as a light main dish or as a side dish.
When you think of Turkish cuisine, rich spices, hearty stews, and grilled meats may come to mind, but there’s also a wonderful side of Turkish food that highlights fresh, simple ingredients. One of those timeless dishes is Taze Fasulye—a delicious green bean dish that’s light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s healthy, plant-based, and packed with Mediterranean flavors, Taze Fasulye might just become your new favorite. It’s the perfect example of how Turkish cuisine transforms everyday vegetables into something truly special with just a few basic ingredients.
What is Taze Fasulye?
In Turkish, “taze fasulye” means “fresh green beans.” This dish is essentially green beans simmered slowly with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil. It’s a staple of Turkish home cooking, often served warm or at room temperature as part of a mezze spread or as a main dish with rice or bread.
The best part? It’s a naturally vegan dish, perfect for those looking for a plant-based meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Plus, it’s light enough to be enjoyed in the summer but hearty enough for colder months, making it a year-round favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For this simple yet flavorful dish, you only need a handful of ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen:
- Fresh Green Beans (Taze Fasulye): The star of the dish. Opt for firm, fresh beans for the best texture. I grew a bunch of benas this year, so any colour works. I used yellow runner beans.
- Onions: Adds sweetness and depth.
- Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they add a tangy base to the sauce.
- Garlic: While optional, garlic brings an aromatic richness to the dish.
- Pepper Paste: Enhances the tomato flavor and gives the sauce its richness.
- Olive Oil: A must in Turkish cooking, especially for vegetable-based dishes.
- Sugar: A small amount balances the acidity of the tomatoes, a traditional touch.
- Grenn chillies: Optional but adds a tangy kick to the dish.
Check out more recipes:
Roasted Cabbage and Chickpea Salad
Braised beans in olive oil or Taze Fasulye
Ingredients
- 2-3 mediium onion
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp turkish red pepper paste substitute for tomato paste
- 1 can chopped tomatoes substitute for 4-5 fresh tomatoes
- 500 g fresh runner flat beans green or yellow
- 1 pinch sugar
- 2 green chillies
- salt and black pepper to taste
- basil to garnish optional
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the beans. Cut or break off the ends and any string running alongside the edges of the bean. Cut in c. 5×1 cm strips at an angle. If using regular beans, top and tail and use whole or cut in half.
- Fry the onion in a large pan or pot on medium heat until the onion is softened but not browned, 10-12 minutes. Stir regularly.
- Add sugar and red pepper paste and fry for another 3-4 minutes stiring continuously.
- Add the beans and tomatoes. Stir well. Put a lid on and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra water if necessary.
- Remove the lid and continue to simmer until the water has evaporated and the beans are completely soft, 10-20 minutes.
- Take off the heat, put the lid back on and let rest until the beans have reached room temperature. Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top and garnish with basil leaves.
