What is kuru fasulye? Turkish white beans explained

In many Turkish homes, Sunday means a pot gently bubbling away for hours: white beans in a tomato sauce, slowly cooking until the whole kitchen smells of them. Kuru fasulye is comfort food in its purest form, the kind of dish everyone at the table looks forward to.

At Yasemin we still make kuru fasulye with that same patience, fresh and 100% halal. So you no longer have to do those hours of work yourself. But what exactly is it?

What is kuru fasulye? (Turkish white bean stew)

Kuru fasulye literally means 'dry beans' and is a Turkish stew of white beans in a sauce of tomato, onion, pepper and olive oil. It is often called Turkey's national dish: simple, nourishing and slightly different in every household. The beans are cooked until soft, almost melting into the lightly spicy sauce.

With or without meat? Etli or vegetarian

Kuru fasulye comes in two classic versions. The etli version contains pieces of beef or lamb that stew along and make the sauce richer. The vegetarian (and often vegan) version leaves out the meat and relies on the beans themselves, which are naturally rich in plant protein. Both are traditionally served with Turkish rice.

The classic combination: kuru fasulye with pilav

Ask a Turk about kuru fasulye and chances are 'pilav' follows straight away. The combination of the bean stew with fluffy Turkish rice is a classic, sometimes finished with a spoonful of yoghurt or a pickle on the side. Together, the beans and the rice form a complete protein, which makes the dish filling and complete even without meat.

Why kuru fasulye is such a healthy classic

White beans are one of the better sources of plant protein and fibre, which makes kuru fasulye a filling, nourishing meal, especially the vegetarian version. Want to know more about protein on a halal menu? Read our guide to high-protein halal meals.

Cook it yourself or order it fresh?

Soaking dried beans, letting them simmer for hours and seasoning the sauce: kuru fasulye is not difficult, but it takes time and patience. We take that work off your hands. Yasemin delivers fresh kuru fasulye chilled to your door, 100% halal. Also take a look at our vegetarian dishes and the full range of meat dishes.

Frequently asked questions

What does kuru fasulye mean?

Kuru fasulye means 'dry beans' in Turkish. It refers to the dried white beans that form the base of the stew.

How do you soak the beans for kuru fasulye?

Dried white beans are usually soaked overnight in plenty of cold water. Then you cook them until soft before letting them simmer in the sauce.

Is kuru fasulye vegetarian?

There is a vegetarian and even vegan version without meat, and an etli version with beef or lamb. The beans themselves are plant-based and rich in protein.

Is kuru fasulye healthy?

Yes, white beans are rich in plant protein and fibre. With rice on the side, kuru fasulye makes a filling, nourishing meal.