This Turkish white bean stew (Kuru Fasülye) is so heartwarming, quick and easy to put together. Everything goes into one pot and you just let is stew for an hour or two or until the meat and the beans are fully cooked.
I used canned beans on this occasion when I filmed and shot the pictures, it was also a last minute decision to make this recipe so it was the perfect choice for me. With canned beans, they go into the pot in the last 15 minutes or so, to ensure that the beans don’t overcook and become mushy.
A hearty and rich Turkish stew!
![A heart warming stew that is loved and cherished throughout Turkey and the Middle East.](https://peanutswirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Kuru-Fasulye-1.jpeg)
How to get that mouth-watering red colour
Tomato puree plays a big role in this recipe. I like to add something with a little more flavour and that’s hot pepper paste. If you don’t have hot pepper paste then use 2 tablespoons of tomato puree instead. I always have the perfect substitutions for you!
The aim is to get the colour of this dish that nice red you see in most Turkish cuisine, I have my organic can of chopped tomatoes to thank for for that. You don’t have to use organic of course, I am currently trying out a brand which I am really enjoying! If the colour is not as red as you’d like, feel free to add another half tablespoon of tomato puree.
Vegetarians, this dish is absolutely perfect for you guys! It is pretty often made completely vegetarian in Turkey and the meat in this dish is not a must.
Made with love and just a few ingredients!
![The colours of Kuru Fasulye just call out to you. A quick and easy recipe for the family.](https://peanutswirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Kuru-Fasulye-2.jpeg)
Frequently Asked Questions
For how long can Kuru Fasülye be stored?
Any leftovers can be refrigerated for up to five days in an airtight container. You are also store the dish longer for up to 3 months if you freeze it.
Is Kuru Fasülye considered healthy?
Yes, Kuru Fasülye is considered both healthy and delicious, guaranteed to be loved by all members of the family; even the picky ones!
Tips to know about your Kuru Fasülye
The best and most traditional way to serve this comforting stew is with Rice and fresh Turkish bread.
Kuru Fasülye can be prepped ahead, making it a perfect meal for those busy days!
This heart-warming dish is the perfect go-to food for the Winter cold nights.
The Turkish White Bean Stew can be easily adapted with so many different variations.. cooked with lamb, cooked with beef as well as cooked as a fully vegetarian meal.
Your go-to dish of the day
![Kuru Fasulye Turkish White Bean Stew is so popular that its Turkish name is simply the name for dried white beans.](https://peanutswirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Kuru-Fasulye-3.jpeg)
Want to use Dry Beans?
Kuru Fasülye can also be made using dry beans.
The biggest thing that differs is the length of time in which you cook this dish. With dry beans, you’ll have to soak them from the night before and then sauté from the beginning with the meat so that they are fully cooked.
Canned beans are the easier choice but if you have a bit more time, just remember to soak the dry beans overnight and cook them from the beginning and you’re good to go!
Ingredients
Here’s all you need to make this delicious Kuru Fasülye
- 500-600g lamb or beef cut in small pieces
- 3 cans white beans or 2 cups dried
- 2 medium onions peeled and diced
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of hot pepper paste
- 1 tablespoon of tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons of ghee
- A generous drizzle of olive oil to garnish
- Juice of one whole lemon
How to Make the Best Kuru Fasülye
Fry the onions in ghee until lightly golden (3-4 min), add the meat and allow to fry on low heat together until the meat has taken some colour (5 min).
If using dry and pre-soaked beans, now is the time to add them to the pot. Otherwise go ahead and add the chopped tomatoes with 5-6 cups of water, pepper paste, salt and pepper, place the lid on the pot and allow to cook for 1 hour.
If the meat is cooked at this point, add the white beans, allow the mixture to simmer together for 15 minutes before taking off the heat and serving this along with fresh bread or rice and some slices of lemon.
If you have used dry beans then ensuring the beans as well as the meat is cooked, is key.
Also keep an eye on the liquid level in the pot, you don’t want your stew to be completely dry but you don’t want it to be runny like soup either. Add more water if needed and if you have added too much then boiling the stew on medium to high heat without the lid will reduce the water substantially.
Other Recipes You Must Try
Kuru Fasülye – Turkish White Bean Stew
Ingredients
Instructions
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Fry the onions in ghee until lightly golden (3-4 min), add the meat and allow to fry on low heat together until the meat has taken some colour (5 min).
-
If using dry and pre-soaked beans, now is the time to add them to the pot. Otherwise go ahead and add the chopped tomatoes with 5-6 cups of water, pepper paste, salt and pepper, place the lid on the pot and allow to cook for 1 hour.
-
If the meat is cooked at this point, add the white beans, allow the mixture to simmer together for 15 minutes before taking off the heat and serving this along with fresh bread or rice and some slices of lemon.
-
If you have used dry beans then ensuring the beans as well as the meat is cooked, is key.
-
Also keep an eye on the liquid level in the pot, you don't want your stew to be completely dry but you don't want it to be runny like soup either. Add more water if needed and if you have added too much then boiling the stew on medium to high heat without the lid will reduce the water substantially.
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