Turkish-style White Bean Pilaki

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried white beans, soaked overnight 2 cups (400g) dried white beans, soaked overnight
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Drain and rinse the soaked white beans.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking for a few minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
5. 5.
   Add the soaked white beans, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, bay leaf, and enough water to cover the beans.
6. 6.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
7. 7.
   Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried white beans — Make sure to soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender. Rinse them thoroughly before using.
• Tomato paste — Look for a high-quality tomato paste to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of pomegranate molasses to the tomato sauce.
• Serve the White Bean Pilaki with a dollop of creamy yogurt on top for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the dish to your taste.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish-style White Bean Pilaki as a main course accompanied by crusty bread or rice. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish the White Bean Pilaki with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a shallow bowl or on a plate, allowing the vibrant tomato sauce to shine.