The Turkish Technique called “Tirit”
There are many cooking and presentation techniques in Turkish cuisine. One of these techniques is Tirit. Tirit means “bread soaked in liquid”. This technique emerged from combining bread with aromatic liquid and serving various vegetables or meats on this bed of bread. This Creamy White Beans with Tahini is a traditional “tirit” recipe.
Bread has been considered sacred in Anatolia since the dawn of civilization. For this reason, even if it gets stale, it is never thrown away, it is instead transformed into another dish. Bread, pita, or lavash are placed on a large plate and soaked in a liquid. This liquid can sometimes be broth or stock, sometimes tomato sauce, diluted plain yogurt, and sometimes tahini as in Vartabit Pacha. The meal reaches its peak with the main ingredients placed on this bed of bread. Meat, poultry, and game are more common than legumes but they rival other “meatier” Tirit dishes! This traditional recipe, completely vegan, with white beans and tahini, deserves its own fame.
This white beans recipe is one of the easiest to prepare in Turkish cuisine, the deliciousness of this dish may take you by surprise! It will even make you feel like a chef once you taste it. In addition to being a high protein and high fiber meal, Vartabit Pacha will turn into a staple meal with its excellent taste and satiety.
We know that tahini, garlic, and lemon always go hand in hand. In the Vardabit Pacha, white beans are added creating a new harmony and is poured over the fried crispy pita. Spicy olive oil sauce is poured over it. It is served by adding chopped parsley, which will make the final touch to the meal.
Serve immediately
I would like to state that this dish should be consumed immediately after preparation. It will be much more pleasant to eat while the bread inside is still crispy. And remember, it’s the respect for bread that brings out this technique. That’s why you don’t have to use pita in this recipe. You can use any bread you have available, even if it is stale, it will make you feel good to use it for a fresh meal!
For more classic Turkish Dishes click here.
Vartabit Pacha (Turkish White Beans With Tahini)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup tahini
- 1 lemon, freshly squeezed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- salt, to taste
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 28 ounce can white beans
- 2 pita breads, diced & toasted
For the Drizzling:
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (use less if you want less spicy)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne (use less if you want less spicy)
- 1/4 tsp cumin
For the Serving:
- 3 sprigs parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Mix the tahini, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a large bowl. Add the water and whisk them well to soften the consistency. Then add the salt to taste.
- Add the white beans to the mixture, then mix them. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan for about 30 seconds and add the spices and cook for about 10 seconds.
- Arrange toasted and diced pita breads on a plate, then pour the white beans & tahini mixture on top of the pita bread.
- Then drizzle the olive oil mixture on top of the white beans and sprinkle the chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
About the Author: Feyza Kirmaci
