Traditional Olive Oil Green Beans

Turco Table

1 day ago

2 min read

Traditional Olive Oil Green Beans (Taze Fasulye)

Fresh green beans - Onion - Garlic - Ripe tomatoes - Tomato paste - Olive oil - Sugar - Salt - Hot water

Ingredients & Measurements

Fresh green beans (trimmed and de-stringed): 500g (1 lb)
Extra virgin olive oil: 1/3 cup
Yellow onion: 1 large (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves: 2-3 (minced)
Ripe tomatoes: 2 large (grated)
Tomato paste (domates salçası): 1 tablespoon
Granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon (balances the acidity)
Salt: 1.5 teaspoons
Hot water: 1.5 cups

Recipe Details & Quick Facts

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Cost Level: Budget-friendly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly, snap off the stem ends, and remove any strings along the sides. You can leave them whole or cut them in half depending on your preference.

Step 2: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a wide, shallow pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and soft.

Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the grated ripe tomatoes and cook for another 3 minutes until they release their juices.

Step 4: Add the prepared green beans into the pot. Sauté the beans gently with the tomato and onion mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors and slightly change color.

Step 5: Sprinkle the sugar and salt evenly over the beans. Pour in the hot water.

Step 6: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the beans are completely tender and soft.

Step 7: Remove the pot from the heat and let the dish cool down completely inside the pot with the lid on. Olive oil vegetable dishes taste much better when served at room temperature or chilled.

Step 8: Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Chef's Closing Tip

The secret to a traditional Turkish olive oil dish (zeytinyağlı) is letting it rest and cool down completely in its own cooking juices. This allows the beans to soak up all the rich olive oil and tomato flavors.

The Ultimate Mediterranean Comfort

A staple of everyday home cooking across Turkey, taze fasulye showcases how minimal ingredients—fresh seasonal vegetables, ripe tomatoes, and quality olive oil—can create a deeply satisfying and nourishing dish. Traditionally served as a cold or room-temperature side alongside a hearty pilaf, it captures the true essence of Mediterranean simplicity.