Cypriot · Authentic-ish Cypriot
Fasolia Yiahni
157 kcal a serving, against 211 for the traditional version. That is 54 kcal off, or 26%, with 8.4g of protein. Serves 6. 1 hour 40 minutes.
What the traditional version is
Dried white beans (usually cannellini or haricot) soaked overnight, then simmered with onions, garlic, ripe tomatoes, and a heroic splash of olive oil. Parsley or celery lands near the end, and sometimes potatoes get the invite. The beans stay creamy and the sauce is loose, greedy with oil. Serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
What changed, and what each change costs
Olive oil down from 80g to 20g, all added at the end instead of simmered
The oil in fasolia yiahni isn't just for flavour, it's for mouthfeel and that 'Greek island shimmer' on your plate. But it's also the main reason you need a nap after lunch. By adding less oil and pouring it over just before serving, you keep most of the aroma and richness right where you'll taste it.
What it costs you. This takes the edge off the silkiness. It's lighter, less lush, and no one's licking the plate for the last dribble of oil. Your arteries will thank you, but your inner auntie probably won't.
Beans up from 350g to 550g
Doubling down on the beans is the easiest way to get more protein without starting a nutrition seminar. It bulks up the sauce, keeps the texture hefty, and means you can actually call this lunch instead of a side dish.
What it costs you. You lose a bit of the original's loose, oily sauce. This one's thicker and heartier. You'll definitely need a squeeze of lemon to wake it up, and bread for mopping.
The numbers
| Per serving | Traditional | Lightened |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 211 | 157 |
| Protein | 5.8g | 8.4g |
| Fat | 14.4g | 5g |
| Saturated fat | 2g | 0.7g |
| Carbohydrate | 16.4g | 21.7g |
| Protein per 100 kcal | 2.8g | 5.3g |
Every figure is computed from the recipe's own weighed ingredient list against public food composition databases. The appendix in Authentic-ish Cypriot prints the exact database row used for each ingredient, so any number here can be checked.
Allergens. celery.
The method is in the book
You'll spot what's missing on the first spoonful - this version is the sensible cousin who arrives early, not the one who parties till sunrise. The extra beans mean you'll actually feel full, though, and the olive oil's still there for a bit of comfort. No Cypriot auntie would claim it as her yiahni. It is a Tuesday night dinner with less yawning and cleaner plates. You don't get the full holiday sheen, but you do get enough beans for seconds.
The quantities and the method for this dish are in Authentic-ish Cypriot, along with 47 more. It is not out yet. The swap kit is free in the meantime.