Traditional Turkish Piyaz Salad Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of dried white beans
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon of salt
4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
4 large tomatoes, diced
2 green peppers, diced
4 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
1 teaspoon of sumac

Steps and instructions

Soak the dried white beans in a large bowl of water overnight.
Drain the beans and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer until they are soft and easily mashed, about 1 hour.
While the beans are cooking, sprinkle the sliced red onion with salt and massage the salt into the onions until they soften. Set aside.
Once the beans are cooked, drain them and let them cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled beans, salted onions, quartered eggs, chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, and diced green peppers.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, black pepper, and sumac to make a dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to combine.
Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together before serving.

Tools for making

Large pot - for boiling the white beans
Large bowl - for soaking the dried white beans overnight
Knife - for slicing the red onion, chopping parsley, and dicing tomatoes and green peppers
Cutting board - for chopping ingredients
Whisk - for mixing the dressing
Bowl - for whisking together the dressing

Recipe variations

Addition of cooked chicken or beef for a meaty version.
Replace white beans with chickpeas or kidney beans for a different flavor.
Addition of roasted red peppers or grilled corn for added texture and flavor.
Substitute red onion with shallots or spring onions for a milder taste.
Incorporate chopped mint leaves or dill for a refreshing twist.
Addition of crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy element.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze or lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
Include sliced olives or capers for a briny taste.
Replace red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a different acidity level.

Recipe overview

This Piyaz recipe brings together the comfort of hearty white beans with the freshness of a variety of vegetables, all dressed in a tangy, rustic dressing. Originating from Turkish cuisine, Piyaz is a popular side dish often served with grilled meats. The combination of protein-rich beans, crunchy onions, fresh parsley, tomatoes, and green peppers makes this dish wonderfully balanced. Sumac adds a unique tangy flavor, while a simple homemade dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar ties everything together. Don't let the simplicity of this recipe fool you; the result is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a side or even a light meal on its own. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this easy-to-make and flavorful Piyaz recipe.

Common questions

How long do I need to soak the dried white beans? - Soak the dried white beans in a large bowl of water overnight.
How long should I simmer the beans? - Simmer the beans until they are soft and easily mashed, which usually takes about 1 hour.
Can I use canned white beans instead of dried? - While it's recommended to use dried white beans for this recipe, you can use canned white beans as a time-saving alternative. Simply rinse and drain the canned beans before using them.
How do I soften the red onions? - Sprinkle the sliced red onions with salt and massage the salt into the onions until they soften.
How long should I let the salad sit before serving? - Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - For boiling the dried white beans.
Large bowl - For soaking the dried white beans and assembling the salad.
Whisk - For whisking together the dressing ingredients.
Knife - For slicing the red onion, chopping the parsley, and dicing the tomatoes and green peppers.
Cutting board - For safely cutting and preparing the ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons - For accurately measuring the ingredients.

Origin stories

Piyaz is a traditional Turkish salad that has long been a staple in Turkish cuisine. Its roots lie in the Ottoman Empire, where it was commonly prepared as a side dish to accompany meat dishes. What makes Piyaz unique is the use of dry beans, typically white beans, which are soaked and cooked until tender. This hearty salad was designed to fuel the workers and warriors of the empire, providing them with enough energy to get through a long day of labor or combat. Today, Piyaz continues to be enjoyed across Turkey, with each region putting their own spin on the classic recipe. It's not just a salad; it's a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Turkish people.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.