Description
A comforting Turkish classic featuring tender chunks of beef stewed with creamy white beans in a rich tomato-based sauce—served best with rice, yogurt, and crusty bread.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups dried white beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb beef chuck, diced into small cubes
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups water or beef broth
- Optional: chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
- If using dried beans, soak them overnight. Drain and cook in fresh water for 45–60 minutes until tender. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add diced beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in chopped bell pepper and tomato paste. Sauté for 2–3 more minutes.
- Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in water or beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 40–50 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
- Add the cooked or canned white beans and simmer for another 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot with rice, a dollop of yogurt, and crusty bread. Garnish with chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- Using canned beans reduces prep time significantly.
- Adjust spice level with chili flakes or mild Turkish pepper paste.
- This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 50mg