One day before cooking, sort and rinse 500 g (about 1 lb) of dried white beans, then place them in a pot and cover with water. After soaking for 1 day, add a little more water to the pot and boil the beans.
Once the beans are boiled, drain them through a colander.
In the same pot, finely dice 1 medium yellow onion and sauté it in half a tea glass (about 50 ml / 3 tbsp) of vegetable oil. Add 1.5 tablespoons of tomato paste (domates salçası) and stir to combine. Add the boiled beans to the pot. Pour in enough water to just cover the beans. Sprinkle in 1/2 dessert spoon (about 1 tsp) of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of Aleppo pepper flakes.
Stir well, then leave to cook over low heat until the beans are tender. Enjoy your meal.

Tips & Tricks

When soaking the dried beans overnight, add one tea glass (about 100 ml / 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) of milk to the soaking water — this helps them cook faster and reduces their gas-causing effect.
After boiling the beans, always discard the cooking water and continue cooking the dish with fresh hot water. This keeps the broth clearer and more flavorful.
Once the stew is cooked, let it rest for at least 20 minutes without opening the lid. Allowing the broth and beans to fully meld together doubles the flavor.
If you don't follow a strictly vegan diet, adding a small knob of butter near the end of cooking will add wonderful richness to the meatless white bean stew.

About This Recipe

White beans are an exceptionally nutrient-rich food, containing iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, carbohydrates, protein, mineral salts, and molybdenum. They also contain B-group vitamins. White beans are naturally high in starch, cellulose, and antioxidants.

White beans are known to be good for heart palpitations. They strengthen bones and are recommended for those who suffer from kidney stones. Being a rich source of fiber, they are an ideal food both for the digestive system and in terms of glycemic index. When consumed in moderate amounts, they may have a protective effect against conditions such as diabetes. Their high fiber content also helps lower bad cholesterol. Fiber-rich foods are also important for the absorption of calcium. In particular, their fibrous nature makes them beneficial against problems such as constipation, indigestion, and bloating. White beans are rich in folic acid, and it is recommended that expectant mothers consume them twice a week. Thanks to their potassium content, they can be consumed in moderate amounts by those with blood pressure issues. However, if white bean stew is prepared with too much oil, the benefits can reverse and cause harm. For this reason, people with high blood pressure and those looking to lose weight should avoid consuming white beans with excessive amounts of fat.

One of the main reasons white beans are so widely consumed in our country is their great taste and high energy content. Today we've prepared our delicious Meatless White Bean Stew recipe for you. If you're wondering "Are there different recipes I can make with white beans?", look no further — you'll love our White Bean Balls recipe. Bon appétit!