Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye (Green Beans Braised in Olive Oil and Tomato)
In short: Green beans braised slowly with onion, garlic and tomato in plenty of olive oil until silky, served at room temperature as a meze or side. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 150 kcal
Zeytinyağlı taze fasulye is one of the best known zeytinyağlılar, the Turkish vegetable dishes cooked in olive oil and served cool. Green beans braise gently with onion, garlic and tomato until they are very soft and sweet, and the cooking liquid reduces to a glossy sauce. It is a summer staple, made in big batches, and tastes best a few hours after cooking, at room temperature with crusty bread.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a wide, heavy pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 7 minutes, until soft and lightly golden, then add the garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste for 1 minute, then add the tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the green beans and stir to coat them. Pour in the hot water, cover and cook over low heat for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring now and then, until the beans are very soft and the sauce is thick and glossy.
- Taste and adjust the salt and sugar. Let the beans cool to warm or room temperature.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, with crusty bread.
Tips
- Turkish cooks braise green beans until they are soft and sweet rather than crisp. If you prefer a firmer bite, start checking after 25 minutes.
- Keep the lid on and use only a little water. The beans should braise in their own juices and oil, not boil.
Questions and answers
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes. Add them straight from frozen and cook 5 to 10 minutes less, because they soften quickly.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
Either, but the traditional way is at room temperature or cold. Turkish olive oil vegetable dishes taste better once the flavors have settled.
How long does it keep?
Up to 4 days, covered, in the fridge. The flavor improves on the second day.
How long does it take to make Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye (Green Beans Braised in Olive Oil and Tomato)?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye (Green Beans Braised in Olive Oil and Tomato)?
About 150 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 150 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
