A light and healthy Mediterranean recipe you’ll love—naturally vegan, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep!
If you're searching for a simple, wholesome, and truly delicious way to enjoy green beans, let me introduce you to a beloved Turkish classic: Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye, or Turkish green beans in olive oil. This is one of those humble dishes that surprises you every time with its rich flavor and silky texture—all achieved with just a handful of ingredients!
Whether you're already a fan of Mediterranean cooking or simply looking for a new vegan side dish, this traditional olive oil-based recipe will win you over with its charm.
🌿 What is Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye?
In Turkish cuisine, zeytinyağlı refers to a style of cooking vegetables gently in olive oil, often served cold or at room temperature. These dishes are light, plant-based, and naturally gluten-free. Taze fasulye means "fresh green beans"—so this dish literally translates to “green beans in olive oil.”
It’s a staple on Turkish summer tables and a go-to mezze or side dish that can easily stand on its own with a slice of crusty bread.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few pantry-friendly items:
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500g (1 lb) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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2 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced
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2–3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
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1 teaspoon tomato paste (optional, for extra depth)
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1 sugar cube or ½ teaspoon sugar
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Salt to taste
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½ cup hot water
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(Optional) 1 garlic clove, minced
🔪 How to Make Turkish Green Beans in Olive Oil
1. Sauté the onions
Heat the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (and garlic if using) and cook until soft and translucent.
2. Add the green beans
Toss in the green beans and stir for a few minutes so they’re well coated in the oil.
3. Add tomatoes and seasoning
Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), sugar, and salt. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
4. Add water and simmer
Pour in just enough hot water to partially cover the beans. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and cover the pot.
5. Let it cook
Simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
6. Rest and serve
Let it cool to room temperature. For best flavor, chill it for a few hours in the fridge before serving. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil before plating.
🍋 Serving Suggestions
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Serve it cold as part of a mezze platter with hummus and stuffed grape leaves
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Enjoy it as a light lunch with a slice of crusty sourdough or pita
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Pack it for a picnic or meal prep—it keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days
💡 Tips & Variations
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Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
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Want more richness? Add a splash of lemon juice or a few fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving.
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This dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Naturally vegan & gluten-free
✅ Budget-friendly & meal-prep approved
✅ Light, satisfying, and full of Mediterranean flavor
✅ A beloved Turkish comfort food
📌 Save this Recipe!
Pin it, print it, or bookmark it—you’ll want to come back to this one again and again. Whether you’re new to Turkish cooking or grew up with a pot of zeytinyağlı always simmering in the kitchen, this dish is pure comfort in every bite.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below or tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your creations! 💚
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