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    Cooking Gorgeous » All Recipes » Main Dishes

    Kuru Fasulye

    Published: Oct 6, 2021 · Modified: May 19, 2022 by Ayla Clulee · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Kuru Fasulye is a hearty and rich Turkish stew made with white beans and diced lamb or beef slowly cooked in a tomato sauce. It is packed with lots of flavors and is the ultimate comfort dish for cold winter nights.

    Rich and hearty white bean stew with lamb served on a plate.
    Kuru Fasulye / White Bean Stew with Lamb
    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works?
    • Ingredients and Substitutes
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Top Tip From the Chef
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • Kuru Fasulye

    In Turkey, every "lokanta" (a small restaurant that serves cheap, cheerful but tasty ready-made meals) has this famous dish on its menu. I have been to one of them in Istanbul that only serves "Kuru Fasulye and Turkish Rice Pilaf" dished up together.

    Kuru Fasulye is usually accompanied by some crusty Turkish bread and "tursu" (pickled vegetables). They only had the vegetarian version and it tasted so divine that we all asked for the second one!

    White bean stew with lamb served with Turkish rice pilaf.
    A Turkish classic - Kuru Fasulye served on Rice Pilav

    There are many different variations of this popular bean stew and my favorite is the one cooked with lamb. You can use beef instead of lamb or add pastirma (air-dried beef popular in Turkey) for a stronger flavor.

    The vegetarian version is as delicious as the meaty one. Add some extra vegetables such as carrots, celery, or peppers, use vegetable stock, and have a delicious vegetarian bean stew.

    Why This Recipe Works?

    • This delicious stew is very easy to make with a few ingredients you might have in your pantry/fridge.
    • It is perfect for lazy Sunday lunch, it comes together in only 20 minutes.
    • Kuru Fasulye is the perfect comfort food for cold winter nights.
    • You can prep it ahead, making it a perfect meal for a busy day.

    Ingredients and Substitutes

    Ingredients needed for kuru fasulye
    Ingredients for Kuru Fasulye (Turkish White Bean Stew)
    • White beans - You can use any type of white beans such as navy beans, haricot, or cannellini. They all have different cooking times so make sure you cook them until soft and almost falling apart.
    • Olive oil - It is necessary to sauté the onions. You can use butter instead for extra richness.
    • Lamb - Any part of lamb is good for this dish but I personally like the shoulder for stews. You can also use diced beef instead but cooking time might be longer depending on the cut you use. Always prefer well-marbled beef such as chuck or brisket for slow cooking. Omit the meat for making this dish vegetarian-friendly.
    • Onion - You can use a large size brown, yellow or white onion. Peel and cut into small dice before adding to the dish.
    • Garlic - Fresh garlic is a great flavoring that adds sweetness and nuttiness to dishes. You can turn it into a paste with a mortar and pestle or grate using a Microplane zester before adding it to the dish.
    • Tomatoes - You can use tinned tomatoes if you don't have fresh ones. Add a teaspoon of sugar if using tinned tomatoes to balance the acidity.
    • Tomato paste - It is the staple of Turkish cooking. It adds an umami flavor to the dishes and bright red color. You can find it in Turkish or Middle Eastern shops. You can also buy it from Amazon .
    • Red pepper paste - Same as tomato paste, it adds an umami flavor and a bright red color to the stew. You can find it in Turkish or Middle Eastern shops. You can also buy it from Amazon.
    • Stock - I use Basic Homemade Vegetable Stock for the vegetarian version. I prefer using Homemade Beef Stock but Easy Chicken Stock (Bone Broth) works great as well. You can use stock cubes if you don't have any stock in hand. Make sure you don't add too much salt as ready-made stocks and stock cubes contain salt already. Use enough liquid to cover the beans and the meat.
    • Salt - Add salt at the end of the cooking process. Adjust the amount to your taste.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Kuru fasulye is an extremely delicious and warming dish that is very easy and straightforward to cook. There are a few easy steps that you need to follow to achieve the best results:

    Soak and Pre-cook The Beans

    Soaking the beans overnight is necessary and helps to reduce the cooking time. Use plenty of water as they will double the size up when soaked. Place the beans in a large enough pan and then add plenty of cold water.

    White beans soaked in water overnight.

    Cook the beans for about an hour or until they are "al dente". They will get cooked further with the meat. The cooking time depends on the type of bean you are using. I used haricot beans for this recipe. Drain the beans and then discard the cooking liquid.

    White beans cooked al dente.

    Prepare the Tomatoey Meat Sauce

    Preheat the oven to 180° C / 356 ° F. Put a dutch oven or heavy-based pan on high heat and then add olive oil.

    I prefer using a Dutch oven for stews, slow-cooked meat, or even bread. They are perfect for slow cooking because of how heavy they are. They retain and distribute heat evenly which makes them ideal for searing meat at high heat and maintaining low-and-slow temperatures for a long time.

    When the pan is hot enough, brown the meat. Do it in batches if necessary.

    sear the meat with olive oil in a dutch pan

    Turn the heat down to medium to low, add the onions and garlic and then sauté them until translucent.

    add the onions and saute them

    Add the tomatoes and then stir in the tomato paste, chili (optional), and pepper paste (optional). You can add extra tomato paste if you don't have pepper paste. Also, replace red chili with chili flakes or totally skip it if you don't like spicy.

    add the tomatoes and tomato paste

    Add the pre-cooked beans, salt, cumin, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until combined before adding the liquid.

    add the pre-cooked beans to the pan

    Cover the pan with a lid or tin foil and then cook in the oven for 1 hour or until the meat and beans and the meat are soft.

    add the stock, bring it to a boil and cook

    Make sure to check every 20 to 30 minutes and give it a stir to provide even cooking.

    kuru fasulye slowly cooked and out of the oven

    Top Tip From the Chef

    Use homemade stock for stews and soups for intense flavor. If you use shop-bought stock, taste your stew before adding any extra salt as they already contain some. Always add salt at the end of the cooking process for slow-cooked dishes.

    Recipe FAQs

    How to serve Kuru Fasulye?

    The traditional or most common way to serve this comforting stew is to serve it with Turkish Rice (Sehriyeli Pilav) and some mixed pickles. Alternatively, you can serve them with some crusty bread or Bazlama (Turkish Flatbread). Try with a bowl of Turkish Bulgur Pilaf With Lentils or Bulgur Pilavi (Turkish Bulgur Pilaf) for a healthier option.

    Is Kuru Fasulye healthy?

    Yes, Kuru Fasülye is a healthy dish as well as delicious. White beans are full of nutrition and fairly low in calories. They also have high fiber and protein content which promote feelings of fullness, leaving you less likely to overeat!

    How to store leftover Kuru Fasulye?

    The leftovers would keep refrigerated for up to five days in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.

    Related Recipes

    For more hearty stew recipes why not try:

    • Bamya - Turkish Okra Stew
    • Braised Beef Cheeks
    • Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon
    • Kapuska | Turkish Cabbage Stew

    Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

    I hope you enjoy the process of making this delicious Kuru Fasulye (Baked Bean Stew with Lamb) as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂

    Bon appétit! / Afiyet Olsun! 

    Rich and hearty (kuru fasulye) white bean stew with lamb

    Kuru Fasulye

    Ayla Clulee
    Perfect comfort food for lazy Sunday lunch when paired with buttery and fluffy Turkish Rice Pilaf
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Turkish
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 314 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 kitchen scale
    • 1 Lodge Dutch oven
    • 1 Rubber spatula
    • 1 measuring spoons
    • 1 Sharp knife

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 250 g dried white beans such as haricot, cannelini or navy beans (soaked in plenty of water overnight)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 400 g diced lamb
    • 1 large onion (diced)
    • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 2 large tomato (chopped)
    • 1 red chili (optional) (chopped) or chili flakes to taste
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • ½ tablespoon red pepper paste (optional) (add extra tomato paste if not using red pepper paste)
    • 700 ml beef stock or chicken stock
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Soak the beans in plenty of water overnight.
    • Drain the beans and place them in a pan with fresh water, cook on medium heat for an hour.
    • Drain the beans again, get rid of the cooking liquid, and set them aside to use later.
    • Preheat the oven to 180 °C (356° F).
    • Place a heavy-based pan or dutch oven on medium to high heat.
    • When hot, add the olive oil and brown the meat.
    • Add onion and garlic, saute until translucent and add the tomatoes.
    • Stir in the tomato paste, chili (optional), and the pepper paste (optional, add extra tomato paste instead)
    • Add the pre-cooked beans along with salt, pepper, and cumin.
    • Pour in the beef stock or chicken stock and stir well. Make sure there is enough liquid to cover the beans.
    • Cover the pan with the lid and cook in the oven for 1 hour or until the meat and beans are soft. Make sure to check every 20 to 30 minutes and give it a stir.

    Video

    Notes

    • You can use beef instead of lamb or add pastirma (air-dried beef popular in Turkey) for a stronger flavor.
    • The vegetarian version is as delicious as the meaty one. Add some extra vegetables such as carrots, celery, or peppers, use vegetable stock and you have a delicious vegetarian bean stew.
    • You can prep it ahead, making it a perfect meal for a busy day.
    • Make sure to check every 20 to 30 minutes and give it a stir to provide even cooking.
    • If you use shop-bought stock, taste your stew before adding any extra salt as they already contain some. Always add salt at the end of the cooking process for slow-cooked dishes.
    • The cooking time might vary depending on the meat cut and size you use.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 314kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 1031mgPotassium: 1173mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 822IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cookingorgeous or tag #cookingorgeous!

    This post use affiliate links. This means that if you click on them and then buy something, we get a small amount of commission to keep the site running, but it doesn’t cost you anything more.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah

      January 04, 2022 at 4:28 pm

      Absolutely delicious! Comforting and full of flavours.

      Reply
    2. Rob

      January 04, 2022 at 4:43 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect stew for winter!

      Reply
    3. Laura

      February 19, 2022 at 5:14 am

      5 stars
      I made this a few times and each time was absolutely delicious. Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe.

      Reply
    4. Sharon

      March 23, 2022 at 5:34 am

      5 stars
      We all love this simple stew. Our new favourite comfort food.

      Reply
    5. Marcia

      March 25, 2022 at 5:05 am

      5 stars
      Excellent and easy to follow recipe!! I am using the pressure cooker to shorten the cooking time.

      Reply
    6. Saide

      March 25, 2022 at 5:07 am

      5 stars
      I made this for a small dinner gathering and it got rave reviews!! I will absolutely make again and again

      Reply
    7. Mark

      March 25, 2022 at 5:07 am

      5 stars
      I made this beef stew and it was the BEST I have ever eaten!!!! I followed the instructions and had no problems at all.

      Reply
    8. Marcin

      March 26, 2022 at 3:56 am

      5 stars
      WoW! great combination of flavours! Paired with rice as mentioned and we all loved it.

      Reply
    9. Felicia

      March 27, 2022 at 4:17 am

      5 stars
      Five stars! That’s my favourite stew now, thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
    10. Kinslee

      April 02, 2022 at 4:51 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is a keeper. I followed the instructions exactly and it was delicious.

      Reply
    11. Rana

      April 03, 2022 at 4:38 am

      5 stars
      I want to say: been cooking this for years. This recipe, in it's simplicity: THE BEST! Thank you!

      Reply
    12. Shelley

      April 04, 2022 at 5:26 am

      5 stars
      My husband loves this (I do not eat meat, he does) and I thought a good hearty stew would hit the spot for him. I did followed the recipe exactly it got a rave review.

      Reply
    13. David

      April 08, 2022 at 4:08 am

      5 stars
      This is an amazing recipe! Followed exactly the first time; perfection! This has become a staple. The whole house smells delicious. Thank you chef!

      Reply
    14. Joanna

      April 09, 2022 at 4:48 am

      5 stars
      Amazingly delicious! Followed recipe exactly, except I did have to buy bone in shoulder so cut the meat off but threw the bones in the pot, too. Great meal for a cold day

      Reply
    15. Sema

      April 14, 2022 at 4:23 am

      5 stars
      We just made this last week and my entire family inhaled it! So flavourful and delicious! Thank you!

      Reply
    16. Chantal

      April 18, 2022 at 6:07 am

      5 stars
      Thanks for this wonderful recipe. This was insane good and a very easy recipe. I made no changes. It was wonderful as is.

      Reply
    17. Kathya

      April 24, 2022 at 5:25 am

      5 stars
      Just made this last night! Amazing !!

      Reply
    18. Rosemarie

      May 08, 2022 at 5:28 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe. Very flavourful and meat was very tender. And the best part is, the recipe works as stated. Many thanks!

      Reply

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    Hi! Thank you for visiting Cooking Gorgeous. My name is Ayla, and I’m a professional chef based in the UK. The kitchen is my happy place and cooking is my therapy. To me, food is more than ingredients and nutrition; it is a language of love, a way of expressing compassion.

    More about me →

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