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Turkish green beans in olive oil (Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye) served with lemon and herbs.

Turkish Green Beans Recipe

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Tender green beans braised in olive oil with onions, tomatoes, and herbs — a classic Turkish side dish known as Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye. Light, flavorful, and perfect served warm or at room temperature alongside rice or pita.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Optional — this dish tastes better after resting. 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: light meal, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Turkish
Calories: 155
Ingredients Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 600 g / 1.3 lb fresh green beans
  • 150 g / 5.2 oz onion medium-diced (1 medium-large onion)
  • 400 g / 14 oz tomatoes medium-diced (about 3 medium tomatoes) (or canned diced tomatoes)
  • 60 ml / ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cloves garlic sliced

Method
 

Prepare the Green Beans
  1. Trim the ends of the green beans.
  2. If there are any fibrous strings along the sides, remove them — though this is usually not necessary with fresh young beans.
  3. Cut the beans into 5 cm / 2-inch pieces. Set aside.
Cook the Onion:
  1. In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent — do not let them brown.
  3. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
  4. Add the green beans to the pot and stir just to coat them in the oil and onions.
  5. Add the tomatoes, sliced garlic, sugar, and salt.
  6. Stir gently to combine.
  7. As the mixture heats, the tomatoes and beans will begin to release their juices. Do not add extra water at this stage.
  8. Cover the pot with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 40 minutes, or until the beans are soft-tender.
  9. Check occasionally — if after 10 minutes there is no liquid at the bottom, add about ¼ cup water. This is rarely needed.
  10. Avoid stirring during cooking — this dish develops best with minimal interference.
Serving:
  1. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Drizzle some olive oil before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcal

Video

Notes

Tips and Notes
  • Manage heat and liquid carefully: If the liquid evaporates too quickly in the beginning, your heat is too high.
Avoid continuing to cook over medium or high heat and adding a lot of water  — this will prevent the dish from developing its proper flavor and texture.
Instead, lower the heat and add only a very small amount of water if necessary. Under normal conditions, the natural juices from the vegetables are enough to cook this dish perfectly.
  • Avoid over-stirring: This helps the beans keep their shape and prevents breaking.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor improves after resting.
  • Serving suggestion: Drizzle with extra olive oil before serving for a richer taste.

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