How to Make a Delicious Turkish Fasulye (Bean Stew)

Friday, May 29, 2026

SAEDNEWS: Fasolya (White Bean Stew) is a well-known international dish that is also commonly referred to as white bean stew with meat.

How to Make a Delicious Turkish Fasulye (Bean Stew)

According to Saednews, Before explaining how to prepare this traditional Turkish homemade dish, it is helpful to know what “Fasolye” is. Fasolye is a Turkish and Arabic dish considered part of international cuisine. This delicious Turkish stew is made with meat and white beans and suits the taste of many people, including Iranians. You can also make slight variations in its preparation. Fasolye stew is one of the popular Turkish stews with global recognition and has different versions. Below is a traditional Turkish-style recipe.


Ingredients for Turkish Fasolye

  • Red meat: 250 g

  • White beans: 150 g

  • Onion: 1 medium

  • Tomatoes: 2

  • Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons

  • Red chili peppers: 2

  • Saffron (dissolved): 3 tablespoons

  • Thyme: as desired

  • Dried limes (limoo amani): 4

  • Salt and black pepper: as needed

  • Turmeric: as needed

  • Parsley: for garnish


Instructions

Step 1

Cut the meat into small cubes, wash it, and let excess water drain.

Step 2

Soak the white beans overnight or for at least a few hours before cooking. Change the water to reduce bloating. Then cook the beans in water until they soften (about one finger above the beans level).

Step 3

Sauté the meat in a pot with some oil until browned.

Step 4

Peel and finely chop the onion. Add it to the meat and sauté together.

Step 5

Soak the dried limes in water to reduce bitterness.

Step 6

Peel and finely chop the tomatoes. Add them along with tomato paste to the meat mixture and sauté well.

Step 7

Add salt, black pepper, thyme, and turmeric. Stir well, then add enough water to cover the ingredients. Let it cook.

Step 8

Pierce the dried limes and add them to the stew. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer slowly.

Step 9

In the last 40 minutes of cooking, add the cooked white beans and chopped red chili peppers.

Step 10

Add saffron water and let the stew cook until it thickens and develops its full flavor.


Serving

Once ready, garnish with fresh parsley and serve. Enjoy your Turkish Fasolye stew.