Are you ready to bring a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to your table? Olive Oil Braised Green Beans, or Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye, is a staple in Turkish cuisine, beloved for its light, fresh, and flavorful profile. This dish is a perfect blend of tender green beans, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, all simmered slowly in rich olive oil. It’s a delightful vegan dish that can be served hot or cold, making it versatile for any occasion. In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to create this delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish at home.
Ingredients:
1 kg fresh green beans 🍃
3 medium tomatoes 🍅
2 cloves of garlic 🧄
Half a tea glass of water 💧
1.5 cups olive oil 🫒
Optional spices 🌶️
Chop the onions finely and lightly sauté them in half a cup of olive oil 🧅🫒. (You can also start by placing the onions directly at the bottom of the pot without sautéing.) Just before turning off the heat, add the minced garlic and stir, then turn off the heat 🧄. Place a layer of sautéed onions at the bottom of the pot.
Layering the Green Beans:
After cleaning and cutting the green beans in half, arrange them in a single layer in the pot 🍃. Add another layer of sautéed onions on top 🧅.
Adding Tomatoes and Spices:
Add the peeled and chopped tomatoes over the onions 🍅. Sprinkle with salt to taste 🧂. Add another layer of green beans, followed by any remaining onions 🧅. Finally, place the onion skins on top as a final layer.
Using Parchment Paper and Lid:
Once all the ingredients are layered, place a piece of parchment paper over the top and close the pot with its lid 🛑. Depending on the type of green beans, cook for 1 to 1.5 hours; start on high heat until it begins to boil, then reduce to low heat 🔥.
Adding Olive Oil:
After the beans are cooked, remove the onion skins and pour the remaining 1 cup of olive oil over the top 🫒. Let the beans rest; you can serve them hot or cold. However, olive oil-based dishes taste better after resting for a few hours or overnight 🌙.
You can serve this delicious dish with rice on the side 🍚. Enjoy your meal!
Conclusion
Olive Oil Braised Green Beans (Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye) is a must-try for anyone who loves light, healthy, and flavorful dishes. This classic Turkish recipe is perfect for a summer meal or as a side dish to complement your main course. The combination of tender green beans, ripe tomatoes, and rich olive oil makes this dish a favorite in Turkish households. Whether served hot or cold, it’s sure to please your taste buds.
If you loved this recipe and want to explore more delicious Turkish dishes, check out my other posts or my youtube channel!
