Kuru Fasulye (Turkish White Bean Stew)
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4
Description
Kuru Fasulye is a classic Turkish comfort food made with tender white beans simmered in a rich tomato sauce with onions, spices, and savory meat. This hearty, warming stew is traditionally served with rice or fresh bread and is a favorite in Turkish home cooking.
Ingredients
2 cups dried white beans (or about 4 cups cooked white beans)
300 g beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon red pepper paste (optional)
2 medium tomatoes, chopped, or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4–5 cups water or beef broth, as needed
1 bay leaf (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Soak the beans: Rinse the dried white beans and soak them in plenty of water overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Cook the beans: Drain and discard the soaking water. Add the beans to a pot with fresh water and simmer for 35–40 minutes, until nearly tender. Drain and set aside, reserving some cooking liquid.
Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add the beef cubes and cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
Tenderize the meat: Cover and cook over low heat for 20–30 minutes, adding a little water if needed, until the beef is becoming tender.
Add the aromatics: Stir in the butter and chopped onion. Cook until the onion softens.
Add the tomato base: Mix in the tomato paste, optional red pepper paste, chopped tomatoes, green pepper if desired, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes.
Combine the beans: Add the cooked beans and enough reserved cooking liquid or hot water to make a rich stew.
Simmer: Cover and simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, until the beef and beans are tender and the sauce thickens. Add more water if necessary.
Rest and serve: Let the stew rest for 10–15 minutes before serving hot.
Healthy Benefits
Rich in fiber: White beans support digestion and help you feel full.
Good source of protein: Beans and beef provide protein for muscle maintenance.
Provides iron: Beans and beef contribute iron to the diet.
Nutrient-rich: Tomatoes and peppers provide vitamins and beneficial plant compounds.
Filling comfort food: A balanced portion served with vegetables makes a satisfying meal.
Pro Tip
Soak the beans overnight and cook them until just tender before adding them to the sauce. This helps them keep their shape. For a richer traditional flavor, use a little Turkish red pepper paste, and let the stew rest before serving.
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Frequency
Enjoy Kuru Fasulye once or twice a week as part of a varied, balanced diet. You can also make a meat-free version for a lighter plant-based meal.
Q/A
Q: Can I use canned white beans?
A: Yes! Use about 4 cups of drained, rinsed canned beans and reduce the simmering time to around 15–20 minutes.
Q: Can I make it without meat?
A: Absolutely. Leave out the beef and prepare the tomato and onion sauce with the beans.
Q: Which beans work best?
A: Cannellini or navy beans are good alternatives to traditional Turkish white beans.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
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Serving Suggestions
Turkish rice pilaf
Warm crusty bread or flatbread
Fresh cucumber and tomato salad
Turkish yogurt and cucumber dip (cacık)
Mixed pickles or sliced red onion
Variations
Vegetarian Kuru Fasulye: Skip the beef and use vegetable broth.
Lamb Kuru Fasulye: Replace the beef with diced lamb.
Spicy Turkish Beans: Add red pepper flakes or extra pepper paste.
Smoky Bean Stew: Add a little smoked paprika.
Quick Version: Use canned beans to save time.
Related Recipe Ideas
Turkish Lentil Soup
Turkish Bulgur Pilaf
Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
Turkish Piyaz White Bean Salad
Moroccan White Bean Stew
Mediterranean Lentil Soup
Greek Gigantes Beans
Turkish Shepherd Salad
Final Thought
Kuru Fasulye is a comforting Turkish classic that combines tender white beans, savory beef, and a rich tomato sauce in one delicious meal. Serve it with rice, fresh bread, and a crisp salad for a hearty family dinner.
