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Olive Oil Braised Beans (Zeytinyağlı Pilaki)

Tender beans simmered in olive oil, tomatoes, and sweet carrots make every bite feel hearty, comforting, and full of old-world flavor. Made with simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this dish is wonderfully satisfying served warm, cold, or at room temperature.
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Total Time 9 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 350 gr dried borlotti beans or cranberry beans, soaked in warm water overnight
  • 1 medium to large onion finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots quartered and chopped in small cubes
  • 400 gr canned chopped tomatoes good quality
  • handful flat leaf parsley finely chopped
  • 10 ml sugar
  • 45 ml olive oil
  • 16 fl oz water
  • 1 lemon cut in wedges
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Soak the dried borlotti or cranberry beans overnight or for at least 8 hours in warm water.
  2. Drain the soaked beans, rinse, and transfer them to a pot filled with plenty of cold water.
  3. Bring the pot to a boil, partially cover, and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until the beans are tender but still have a bite.
  4. Drain and rinse the cooked beans under cold water and set aside.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a pot and sauté the onions for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften.
  6. Add the carrots and sauté for another 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and sugar, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  8. Add the beans to the pot and mix well.
  9. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
  10. Lower the heat, partially cover the pot, and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until the beans are cooked but not mushy.
  11. Check the seasoning and add more salt or black pepper if needed.
  12. Serve at room temperature, cold, or warm with chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Store leftover beans in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Serve with crusty bread, a simple salad, or as part of a mezze-style spread.