Main Course

Zeytinyağlı Türlü Dinner

A steaming clay bowl filled with zeytinyağlı türlü, vibrant green beans, purple eggplant, and tender zucchini in a rich tomato-olive oil sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.
Prep
20 mins
Cook
40 mins
Servings
4
TurkishEasyDinnerVegetarianGluten FreeDairy FreeVegan

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

vegetable

350 g

Imperial measurement: about 1 medium

Fresh green beans

vegetable

250 g

Imperial measurement: 2 cups trimmed

Zucchini

vegetable

200 g

Imperial measurement: about 1 medium

Carrot

vegetable

100 g

Imperial measurement: 1 medium

Green bell pepper

vegetable

100 g

Imperial measurement: 1 medium

Yellow onion

vegetable

150 g

Imperial measurement: 1 large

Garlic cloves

herb

10 g

Imperial measurement: 2 cloves

Ripe tomatoes

vegetable

300 g

Imperial measurement: 2 large

Tomato paste

seasoning

30 g

Imperial measurement: 2 tablespoons

Extra virgin olive oil

fat

60 ml

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

Granulated sugar

other

10 g

Imperial measurement: 2 teaspoons

Salt

seasoning

5 g

Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon

Black pepper

herb

2 g

Imperial measurement: 1/2 teaspoon

Warm water

liquid

200 ml

Imperial measurement: 3/4 cup

Fresh parsley (chopped)

herb

15 g

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

Method

1

Prep the vegetables

15 mins

Peel 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.

2

Sweat the aromatics

5 mins

In 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.

3

Cook the vegetables

5 mins

Add 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.

4

Add tomato base

3 mins

Add 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.

5

Braise until tender

30 mins

Cover 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.

6

Rest and serve

10 mins

Let 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

420 kcal
Calories
6 g
Protein
28 g
Carbohydrates
21 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
620 mg
Sodium

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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Kerem Demir

Recipe by

Kerem Demir

Specialises in Turkish cuisine

Kerem 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.