Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye (Green Beans in Olive Oil)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans, trimmed and halved — 500 g (1 lb)
- Olive oil — 4 tbsp (60 ml)
- Onion, sliced — 1
- Tomatoes, diced (or 200 g/7 oz canned chopped tomatoes) — 2
- Tomato paste — 1 tbsp
- Sugar — 1 tsp
- Salt — 1 tsp
- Water — 150 ml (2/3 cup)
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a wide pot over medium heat and fry the onion for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add the diced tomatoes.
- Add the green beans, sugar, salt and water, and stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 25–30 minutes, until the beans are very tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Let cool to room temperature before serving, as this dish is traditionally served warm or at room temperature rather than piping hot.
Introduction: Zeytinyağlı dishes — vegetables slowly cooked in olive oil and served at room temperature — form a
distinct category in Turkish cuisine, and this green bean version is one of the most common, appearing as
a side dish at almost any home meal.
Cultural Background: Zeytinyağlı dishes — vegetables slowly cooked in olive oil and served at room temperature — form a
distinct category in Turkish cuisine, and this green bean version is one of the most common, appearing as
a side dish at almost any home meal.
Tips: Zeytinyağlı vegetable dishes are traditionally cooked until quite soft, well beyond al dente — this is intentional, not overcooking. A generous amount of olive oil is part of the dish's character; don't skimp on it.
Variations: Add a few whole garlic cloves for extra flavour. Use runner beans instead of green beans. Naturally vegan and vegetarian.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days; flavour improves after a day.
Reheating: Best served cold or at room temperature; if reheating, warm gently on the stovetop for a few minutes.
FAQs:
Q: Why serve it at room temperature?
A: Zeytinyağlı dishes are a distinct category in Turkish cuisine meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, similar to a cooked salad.
Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Fresh beans give the best texture, but frozen can be used; reduce the cooking time slightly.
Q: What does 'zeytinyağlı' mean?
A: It means 'with olive oil,' referring to this category of slow-cooked vegetable dishes.
- Fresh green beans, trimmed and halved — 500 g (1 lb)
- Olive oil — 4 tbsp (60 ml)
- Onion, sliced — 1
- Tomatoes, diced (or 200 g/7 oz canned chopped tomatoes) — 2
- Tomato paste — 1 tbsp
- Sugar — 1 tsp
- Salt — 1 tsp
- Water — 150 ml (2/3 cup)
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