Turkish Bean

Turkish Bean refers to a type of green beans which are native of Turkey, which are known as “Taze Fasluye” in the region. The Turkish cooks are very particular about using the fresh beans in food preparations and they generally, like to pick it straight from their kitchen gardens. The fresh green beans are also commonly found in all local farmers market and food stores around Turkey. Many Turkish cooks are quick to involve these beans in their food preparations within a moment or hour of plucking them.  

Fresh tomatoes and olive oil are the two ingredients widely used in the preparation of Turkish beans.

History of Turkish Beans
It is believed that the regular green string bean originated in Central and South America. It was introduced to the Mediterranean countries during the 15^th century by Columbus. And by 17^th century, the beans were widely cultivated in the eastern Mediterranean countries like Turkey, Italy and Greece. Since 17^th century, the Turkish have been heavily using these beans in the preparation of various vegetable dishes. In the recent times, the green beans have become a sort of staple vegetable in most parts of Turkey.

Turkish Bean Recipes: Ingredients and Method of Preparation

• Zeytinyağlı Taze Fasulye: This means the fresh beans cooked in olive oil. The dish is prepared in a base of onions, and tomato paste like many other Turkish vegetarian dishes. Ingredients like fresh green beans, garlic, onions, sugar, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and hot water are required for preparing the dish. The chopped onions and garlic are cooked in olive oil and tomato paste or fresh tomatoes are added to them. The beans are added at this point and cooked with water and little sugar. The dish is normally served cold but it also tastes good if served warm. It is generally served teamed with fresh bread.

• Turkish Green Beans with Yogurt: The Turkish green beans are cooked in a combination with ingredients such as onions, butter, oil, marjoram, fresh parsley, salt, shelled broad beans, garlic and natural yogurt. The beans are first cooked with other ingredients and yogurt is added towards the end of cooking period. This Turkish bean dish is normally teamed with freshly baked bread or is served as a comfort food.