Main Course
Zeytinyağlı Türlü Dinner

About this dish
Zeytinyağlı türlü is a cornerstone of Turkish home cooking—a slow-cooked medley of summer vegetables braised in olive oil until silky and deeply flavorful. This version, inspired by the meaty, upright style of Kerem Demir, anchors the dish with a rich, savory base of onions and tomatoes, then layers in eggplant, green beans, and zucchini for a satisfying, wholesome dinner.
Served warm or at room temperature, it’s a true celebration of seasonal produce and the heart of Aegean cuisine.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
Eggplant
vegetable350 g
Imperial measurement: about 1 medium
Fresh green beans
vegetable250 g
Imperial measurement: 2 cups trimmed
Zucchini
vegetable200 g
Imperial measurement: about 1 medium
Carrot
vegetable100 g
Imperial measurement: 1 medium
Green bell pepper
vegetable100 g
Imperial measurement: 1 medium
Yellow onion
vegetable150 g
Imperial measurement: 1 large
Garlic cloves
herb10 g
Imperial measurement: 2 cloves
Ripe tomatoes
vegetable300 g
Imperial measurement: 2 large
Tomato paste
seasoning30 g
Imperial measurement: 2 tablespoons
Extra virgin olive oil
fat60 ml
Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup
Granulated sugar
other10 g
Imperial measurement: 2 teaspoons
Salt
seasoning5 g
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon
Black pepper
herb2 g
Imperial measurement: 1/2 teaspoon
Warm water
liquid200 ml
Imperial measurement: 3/4 cup
Fresh parsley (chopped)
herb15 g
Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup
Method
Prep the vegetables
15 minsPeel the eggplant in stripes and cut into large cubes. Trim green beans into 5 cm pieces. Quarter the zucchini lengthwise and slice into chunks. Peel and dice the carrot. Core and chop bell pepper into squares. Finely dice the onion and mince garlic. Grate or finely chop tomatoes.
Sweat the aromatics
5 minsIn a large, deep pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring, until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
Cook the vegetables
5 minsAdd eggplant, green beans, zucchini, carrot, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat with oil. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften slightly.
Add tomato base
3 minsAdd the grated tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Pour in warm water. Increase heat to high to bring to a boil, then reduce to low.
Braise until tender
30 minsCover the pot and simmer gently over low heat for 25-30 minutes, until all vegetables are tender. Stir gently once or twice during cooking. Remove from heat.
Rest and serve
10 minsLet the türlü rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with crusty bread or alongside rice pilaf if desired.
Equipment
- large pot or deep skillet with lid
- chef's knife
- cutting board
Nutrition facts
Tips
- For the most authentic flavor, use a heavy-bottomed pot and generous extra virgin olive oil—this dish gets its richness from the oil, so don't skimp.
- If you have time, prepare the vegetables a few hours ahead and sweat the onion base in advance to deepen the flavor.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Store.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
- Zeytinyağlı türlü is traditionally served at room temperature, making it perfect for summer dinners or as a side for grilled meats.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with warm crusty bread or over rice pilaf to soak up the delicious olive oil sauce. A side of yogurt (if not vegan) makes a cool, creamy contrast.
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Recipe by
Kerem Demir
Specialises in Turkish cuisineKerem is a kebab master who shaves his own meat on a vertical spit. He is a carnivore's dream.
Describe yourself in three words: Meaty, vertical, juicy.