Thanksgiving has a way of inviting new flavors to the table — and sometimes, the simplest dishes make the most lasting impression. Enter Fasoulia, a Turkish classic of slow-cooked green beans simmered in olive oil, tomatoes, and garlic until tender and deeply aromatic.
Though humble in ingredients, Fasoulia is rich in history — a dish that’s crossed borders, generations, and cuisines. In Turkey, it’s a staple of both home kitchens and Jewish tables, served cool or at room temperature with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. It’s the kind of dish that brings balance to the Thanksgiving spread — light yet comforting, fresh yet full of soul.
If your menu leans heavy on the beige, this is your vibrant reprieve: glistening green beans, red tomatoes, and a bright garnish of dill and lemon. It’s everything the table didn’t know it was missing.
The Story Behind the Dish
In Turkish cuisine, Fasoulia (also called zeytinyağlı fasulye) is part of a family of dishes cooked gently in olive oil and served at room temperature. The secret lies in the slow simmer — giving the tomatoes time to sweeten, the beans time to soften, and the flavors time to mingle.
For centuries, it’s been part of the Sephardic Jewish kitchen as well, where it’s served for Shabbat, holidays, and gatherings of all kinds. It’s proof that good cooking doesn’t need extravagance — just patience and good olive oil.
And on Thanksgiving, that’s precisely what makes it perfect: a dish that can be made ahead, served without fuss, and shared with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
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¼ cup olive oil (plus more to serve)
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 2–3 fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped)
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1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
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¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
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Juice of one lemon
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
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Start with the aromatics.
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook gently until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. -
Build the base.
Stir in the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Add the green beans and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes. Add a bit of water if the mixture begins to dry — the goal is a soft, saucy stew. -
Cool and season.
Remove from heat and allow to cool. Serve at room temperature, adjusting seasoning as needed and finishing with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of dill.
Notes from Our Kitchen
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Make it ahead. Fasoulia tastes even better after resting overnight — the flavors deepen beautifully.
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Use the best olive oil you can find. It’s the heart of this dish.
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Serve it your way. It’s lovely warm or cool, as a side, or even as a light vegetarian main.
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Add a twist. A pinch of Aleppo pepper or a crumble of feta adds gentle spice and tang.
Perfect Pairings
This vibrant, sun-soaked dish calls for wines that share its freshness and Mediterranean warmth. Here are four bottles that complement it perfectly:
Gruber Röschitz Grüner Veltliner “Green Pepper”
Bright, crisp, and herbaceous, this Austrian white highlights the dish’s green notes while cleansing the palate with its citrusy zest. The hint of white pepper mirrors the aromatics of dill and garlic beautifully.
Vincent Roussely “Orange”
This Loire Valley skin-contact white offers texture and complexity — think stone fruit, tea leaves, and a touch of spice. Its structure stands up beautifully to the olive oil and tomatoes, creating a balance that’s earthy and elegant.
Donne Fittipaldi Bolgheri Rosso
A Tuscan blend with plush fruit, soft tannins, and a whisper of savory herbs. It pairs gracefully with Fasoulia’s slow-cooked sweetness, adding depth without overpowering the dish’s gentle flavors.
Vulcani d’Italia Etna Rosso
From the volcanic slopes of Sicily, this Nerello Mascalese brims with red fruit, mineral tension, and subtle smoke. It’s a captivating match for the stew’s rustic heart, bringing a touch of fire and finesse to the table.
A Toast to Mediterranean Warmth
Thanksgiving is a celebration of abundance — but it’s also about balance. Fasoulia brings both to the table: a dish that’s simple yet soulful, refreshing yet rich in heritage.
Serve it alongside your holiday favorites, pour a glass of something bright, and let this Mediterranean classic remind you that comfort can be colorful too.
Find these bottles and more at your local Vinodivino.
