Tamtad Cranberry Beans in Olive Oil (Barbunya Pilaki) – 400 g

Tamtad borlotti bean pilaki is a 400 g can of ready to eat beans cooked with vegetables in a light tomato sauce. It is one of the classic cold dishes of Turkish home cooking, prepared for you, so you can open the can and serve it as a side, a lunch or a cold starter.

What is in the can

According to the product information, the main ingredient is boiled barbunya, or borlotti beans, at 60%. The rest is water, sunflower oil, vegetables in varying amounts (pepper, potato and carrot), dried onion, tomato paste, salt, sugar and garlic powder. It is made in Turkey.

The product page also asks you to check the allergen and ingredient warnings on the can before eating, as these come from the manufacturer. Always read the label if you have an allergy.

About pilaki

Pilaki is a way of cooking beans, or sometimes fish, slowly with vegetables in oil and served at room temperature. The barbunya version is one of the best known. In a home kitchen it takes a night of soaking and an hour or two of cooking. This can skips both steps. Note that Tamtad uses sunflower oil rather than olive oil in this recipe, which gives a lighter flavour.

How to serve borlotti bean pilaki

Cold or at room temperature

Pilaki is traditionally eaten cool. Tip the can into a bowl, finish with lemon juice, chopped parsley and a drizzle of good olive oil, and serve with bread. It sits well on a meze table next to stuffed vine leaves, hummus, white cheese and pickles.

Warm

You can also heat it gently in a pan for a few minutes and serve it with rice or bulgur pilaf as a quick, meat free supper.

Ideas to add

• A spoon of pul biber or chilli flakes for warmth.
• A chopped hard boiled egg on top for a fuller lunch.
• Some fresh dill or mint in place of parsley.
• Thin slices of red onion soaked in lemon juice.

Why keep a few cans in

Ready meals in cans are handy for busy weeks, for students, for office lunches and for trips. Canned beans in sauce need no fridge until you open them, and a 400 g can makes a light meal for one or a side for two. Because borlotti bean pilaki is meant to be eaten cool, you do not even need a hob.

It is also a simple way to try a Turkish dish before cooking it yourself. If you like it, you can make your own with dried beans next time.

Storage

Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place, as the label directs. Once opened, move any leftovers to a covered container and keep them in the fridge. The product page specifically says to refrigerate after opening. Eat within a day or two.

Order Tamtad pilaki online

Robin Food delivers across the UK, with same-day delivery available in many London areas. If you would rather cook it yourself, start with Duru Borlotti Beans. For more ready dishes, try Tamtad İmam Bayıldı and Tamek Beans Pilaki.