Kuru fasulye is considered one of the most iconic comfort foods in Turkey. It’s an everyday homemade meal that is commonly eaten for lunch or dinner with rice, pickles, yogurt, or bread.
Many Turkish families grow up eating kuru fasulye regularly because it is affordable, filling, and deeply comforting. It’s especially associated with family tables, homemade cooking, and traditional Turkish restaurants called “esnaf lokantası.” Even though it’s a simple dish, it holds a very emotional place in Turkish culture because it reminds many people of home, family, and childhood. In Turkish culture, it’s considered one of the ultimate comfort foods simple, homemade, filling, and very nostalgic.

Preparation:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

1 hr 15 mins / 1 hr 30 mins (plus overnight soaking)

Servings

6-8

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried white beans
• 1 small onion
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 small tomato (optional)
• 4 cups hot water
• Salt & black pepper
• Optional: small pieces of beef or pastırma

Preparation

1. Soak the beans overnight in water.
2. The next day, drain and boil them until slightly soft.
3. In another pot, sauté chopped onion with olive oil.
4. Add tomato paste (and tomato if using) and cook for 1–2 minutes.
5. Add the beans and hot water.
6. Simmer on low heat for about 30–40 minutes until creamy and soft.
7. Add salt and pepper near the end.

Traditionally, kuru fasulye is served with:

• rice pilaf
• yogurt or ayran
• pickles

Tips

1. Soak the beans overnight before cooking. This improves both texture and flavor and helps the beans cook evenly.
2. Cook slowly on low heat. Kuru fasulye tastes much better when the flavors have time to develop slowly instead of rushing the cooking process.