Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots

Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots Recipe

Region / culture: Iraq, Turkey | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of fresh vegetables with a hint of lemon juice and parsley. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal that is easy to prepare.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine, which is known for its use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Green beans, leeks, and carrots are commonly used in Turkish cooking, and this dish brings them together in a harmonious and delicious way.

Ingredients

4 medium leeks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, cut into 0.5-inch thick semicircles
3 medium carrots, 0.25-inch slices
0.5 cup water
1.5 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
0.25 tsp sugar
0.13 tsp salt
10 oz (283 g) package frozen Italian green beans, slightly thawed

How to prepare

To clean the leeks, start by cutting off and discarding the roots and all but 1 to 2 inches of the green tops.
Next, make a lengthwise slit on the top of each leek, going down to the point where the green part meets the white.
Gently spread open the leaves of the leeks and rinse them thoroughly under cool running water to remove any grit.
Make sure to drain the leeks well after rinsing.
Slice the cleaned leeks into 0.5 inch long pieces and set them aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and cook, breaking up the slices.
Once the onion is tender but not browned, add the reserved leeks and continue cooking, stirring often, for about 5 minutes.
Then, add all the remaining ingredients except the green beans and gently stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Gently stir in the green beans and simmer, covered, for an additional 10 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender.
You can serve the dish warm or, if you prefer the Turkish style, chill it completely for several hours or overnight and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Variations

You can add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
For a heartier dish, you can add cooked chickpeas or lentils.
To make it more spicy, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly clean the leeks to remove any grit before slicing them.

- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as they should be tender but still have a bit of crunch.

- For a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cumin to the dish.

- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a side dish or as a main course with a side of rice or bread. It pairs well with grilled meats or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to simmer the vegetables gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Covering the pot while cooking helps to retain the moisture and flavors of the vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh green beans instead of frozen, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

- You can substitute shallots for leeks if you prefer a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have had time to develop.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving. You can also serve it in a decorative serving dish for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

130

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 18g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 8% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

This dish is a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and iron. It is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

Summary

Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy meal. With a balance of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a hint of lemon juice, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, visiting my aunt in Istanbul. My aunt was a wonderful cook, and she loved to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. One day, she invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare dinner. As she chopped the leeks and carrots, she told me the story behind this dish.

She explained that Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots was a traditional recipe passed down through generations in our family. It originated in a small village in the countryside, where fresh vegetables were abundant and cooking was a way of life. The recipe was simple yet flavorful, highlighting the natural sweetness of the vegetables with a hint of spice from the seasonings.

My aunt taught me how to sauté the leeks and carrots in olive oil until they were tender and caramelized. Then, we added the green beans and a splash of water to help them steam to perfection. Finally, we seasoned the dish with a blend of Turkish spices, including cumin, paprika, and a touch of cinnamon.

As the aroma of the dish filled the kitchen, I knew this recipe would become a family favorite. My aunt served the Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots alongside grilled lamb and fluffy rice pilaf. The combination of flavors was truly unforgettable, and I couldn't wait to recreate the dish at home.

When I returned from my trip to Istanbul, I immediately set to work in my own kitchen, trying to replicate the flavors of the Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots. I called my aunt for guidance, and she patiently walked me through each step of the recipe. With her help, I was able to recreate the dish perfectly, and my family was delighted with the results.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time adding my own twist to make it my own. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness, or I sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for a bit of crunch. No matter how I choose to customize the dish, the flavors always transport me back to that kitchen in Istanbul, where I first learned to make Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots.

As I grew older, I shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition of cooking and the love of good food. I often think about my aunt and the memories we made together in her kitchen, and I am grateful for the gift of this recipe that has been cherished in our family for generations.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a pot of Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots, I am filled with warmth and nostalgia. The familiar aromas of sautéed vegetables and exotic spices fill the air, reminding me of the love and laughter that have always accompanied this dish.

As I sit down to enjoy a plate of Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots with my family, I am grateful for the connection to my past and the joy that cooking has brought to my life. This recipe is more than just a dish – it is a piece of my heritage, a reminder of the traditions that bind us together as a family.

And as I take a bite of the tender green beans, sweet leeks, and earthy carrots, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude for the simple pleasures of good food and shared memories. The recipe for Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots will always hold a special place in my heart, connecting me to my roots and the loved ones who have shaped me into the cook I am today.