Traditional Turkish Olive Oil Braised Borlotti Beans
Borlotti beans - Olive oil - Onions - Garlic - Carrots - Potatoes - Tomato paste - Sugar - Salt - Fresh dill - Lemon
Ingredients
2 cups dried borlotti beans (soaked overnight and boiled until tender, or 4 cups canned borlotti beans, rinsed and drained)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, cut into small cubes
1 medium potato, cut into small cubes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1.5 cups warm water (or vegetable broth)
Fresh dill and lemon wedges (for garnish)
Quick Facts
Recipe Category: Main Course / Traditional Mezze
Recipe Cuisine: Turkish / Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Author: Turco Table
Servings: 4
Cost: Low
Instructions
Step 1: If using dried beans, soak them overnight, drain, and boil in fresh water until tender. If using canned borlotti beans, simply rinse and drain them thoroughly.
Step 2: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing gently until translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the carrot cubes and potato cubes to the pan, stirring continuously for about 3-4 minutes to lightly soften them.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for 2 minutes to release its rich color and remove any raw acidity.
Step 5: Gently fold in the tender borlotti beans, followed by the sugar, salt, and warm water (or vegetable broth).
Step 6: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 20 to 25 minutes until the carrots and potatoes are completely soft and the sauce has reduced into a thick, glossy glaze.
Step 7: Remove from heat and allow it to cool down to room temperature. The flavors deepen significantly as it rests.
Step 8: Serve chilled or at room temperature, generously garnished with fresh chopped dill and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.
Chef's Tip
For the authentic Mediterranean texture, never let it become watery; the secret lies in a rich, reduced olive oil and tomato glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
Story
A celebrated classic of Turkish olive oil cuisine, showcasing tender borlotti beans simmered with root vegetables in a glossy, aromatic glaze.
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