Börülce Salatasi

🥗Börülce Salatası Recipe: A Traditional North Cyprus Black-Eyed Bean Salad

If you’ve ever wandered through the villages of North Cyprus during the summer, you’ve likely come across a refreshing dish called Börülce Salatası. This vibrant black-eyed bean salad is a staple of Cypriot cuisine — simple, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavours. Served as a meze or light lunch, it pairs perfectly with grilled fish, kebabs, or just warm crusty bread.
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❓What is Börülce Salatası?

“Börülce” means black-eyed beans (or peas) in Turkish. This salad combines these nutritious beans with fresh vegetables, lemon, and olive oil. Light yet filling, it’s a classic example of the healthy Mediterranean diet that North Cyprus is famous for.

Unlike heavier mezes, Börülce Salatası is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and protein-rich, making it a modern favourite for those seeking wholesome, plant-based meals.
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🥗Ingredients for Börülce Salatası (Serves 4)

250g dried black-eyed beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 small cucumber, finely chopped
1 medium red onion, finely sliced
1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 large lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 green chilli (for a little heat)
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👨‍🍳How to Make Börülce Salatası

🚿Prepare the beans
• If using dried beans, soak overnight in cold water.
• Drain, rinse, and boil in fresh water for around 30–40 minutes until tender but not mushy.
• Drain and cool.
• If using canned beans, simply rinse well and drain.

🥣Combine the vegetables
• Place chopped tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and parsley in a large bowl.

🥘Mix the salad
• Add the cooled black-eyed beans to the bowl.
• Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Season generously with salt and pepper.

🍽️Toss and serve
• Mix gently so the beans don’t break.
• Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature with warm bread or as part of a meze spread.
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📝Tips for the Perfect North Cyprus Black-Eyed Bean Salad
• Use fresh lemon juice: It makes a huge difference compared to bottled.
• Don’t overcook the beans: They should hold their shape and have a little bite.
• Let it rest: The salad tastes even better if left for 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavours to mingle.
• Pair with grilled halloumi: For an authentic Cypriot touch, serve alongside fried or grilled halloumi cheese.
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🏋Health Benefits of Börülce Salatası
• This traditional Cypriot salad isn’t just delicious — it’s also incredibly good for you:
• Rich in plant protein from the beans
• High in fibre for digestive health
• Packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables
• Heart-healthy fats from olive oil

It’s the kind of simple, balanced dish that has kept the people of the Mediterranean so healthy for centuries.

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😋Why Börülce Salatası is Loved in North Cyprus

North Cyprus cuisine is built around fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. In summer, when the heat is intense, heavy meals give way to light, cooling dishes. Börülce Salatası is the perfect answer: filling enough to satisfy, yet refreshing and nutritious.

You’ll find it at family gatherings, seaside picnics, and traditional tavernas all across the island. For locals, it’s more than just food — it’s a taste of home.
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🌸Conclusion

If you’re looking for an easy, healthy, and authentic North Cyprus recipe, Börülce Salatası should be at the top of your list. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can bring the flavours of the Mediterranean to your own table.

Why not try it this week and experience a real taste of Cypriot culture?