Olive Oil Borlotti Beans (Pilaki)

Name: Olive Oil Borlotti Beans (Pilaki)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 500 g fresh borlotti beans (shelled); 1 large onion chopped; 2 carrots diced; 2 tomatoes grated; 2 garlic cloves minced; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp tomato paste; half tsp salt; half tsp black pepper; half tsp cumin (optional); 2 cups hot water; half bunch parsley (for serving); half lemon slices (for serving)

Light, refreshing and diet-friendly: Olive Oil Borlotti Beans 🫘✨

Total: 55 min
Servings: 4 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Calories · per serving: 210 kcal

Written by

Ecem Akkaba · Dietitian

Dietitian, graduate of İstanbul Medipol University. She develops the recipes and nutrition values on FitZen.

Updated: September 21, 2025

In short

Olive Oil Borlotti Beans (Pilaki) contains 210 calories per serving: 8 g protein, 27 g carbohydrate and 7 g fat. It takes 55 minutes in total and makes 4 servings.

About this recipe

Olive oil borlotti beans (pilaki) is one of the most beloved dishes of Turkish cuisine. In this diet-friendly version no sugar is used and the oil amount is balanced. Served cold, it’s rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and vitamins. Perfect for summer as a refreshing, light yet nourishing meal.

Method

1
Wash and shell the beans, then pre-boil and drain.
2
Heat olive oil in a pot.
3
Add onion and garlic, sauté.
4
Add carrots and cook for a few minutes.
5
Add grated tomatoes and tomato paste, stir.
6
Add beans.
7
Pour in hot water.
8
Season with salt and spices.
9
Cook on low heat for about 30 minutes until beans are tender.
10
Let cool, garnish with parsley and lemon slices, and serve cold.

Tips

No sugar is added; tomatoes and carrots bring natural sweetness.
Add a bay leaf while cooking for extra flavor.
Best when chilled overnight before serving.

Language

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