Fırında kuru fasulye are white beans in tomato sauce baked in the oven. Historically, this is a simple Turkish dish of rural origin, traditionally prepared in stone or clay wood-fired ovens. This method of cooking beans originates from the Anatolian region of Turkey and has spread throughout the country.
The recipe is based on dried white beans (kuru fasulye), which are soaked beforehand to soften them and make cooking easier. Of course, tomato paste or fresh tomatoes, onions, and spices are used. Meat can be included but is not essential. The dish is finished by baking in the oven. It is this baking process that gives the dish its characteristic flavor and texture.
Fırında kuru fasulye is a very popular home-cooked meal in Turkey. It is most often served with Turkish rice pilaf, which may be flavored with butter, onions, or small pasta pieces (şehriye).
This meatless combination is exactly how I tried Turkish baked beans in a pricier restaurant in the city of Konya. One serving cost me 170 TRY (4 EUR). The pilaf was beautifully seasoned, the beans in tomato sauce had a rich flavor, and I was happy to (temporarily) take a break from Turkish meat dishes 😁😇
Bon appétit!
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