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Piyaz is a bright and refreshing Turkish salad featuring creamy white beans, crisp onions, juicy tomatoes, and a punchy sumac dressing. Its simple ingredients deliver big flavors, making it a favorite at gatherings or whenever you crave something light yet satisfying.
When I first tasted piyaz in a small Istanbul café I knew it would become a recipe I returned to again and again. My family enjoys it just as much on hot summer evenings as we do as a hearty side to big weekend meals.
Ingredients
- Red onion: Thinly sliced adds sharp flavor and beautiful color Best with onions that feel firm without soft spots
- Sumac: Tart and lemony spice that gives signature Turkish flavor Look for a deep red powder with a fresh scent
- Sea salt: Helps tame the raw onion bite and elevates all the flavors Choose a fine natural sea salt
- Tomatoes: Diced for bursts of juiciness Ripe but firm tomatoes hold up best
- Butter beans: Provide creaminess and protein If possible use a good quality canned or freshly cooked bean for the creamiest texture
- Fresh parsley: Brings green brightness Flat-leaf parsley is best for full flavor
- Olive oil: Supplies richness and helps meld all the ingredients Use extra-virgin for the freshest taste
- Red wine vinegar: Gives acidity and balances the olive oil Look for a lively natural vinegar
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything Choose ripe lemons for best taste
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat Grind fresh if possible for flavor
- Aleppo chili flakes: Known as pul biber lend a warm subtle heat and color Use a Turkish or Middle Eastern grocery for the best quality
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Onions:
- Place the sliced red onions in a large bowl Sprinkle with sumac and half the salt Then use your hands to massage the mixture into the onions for a minute This softens the onions and infuses them with tart sumac flavor
- Combine the Vegetables:
- Add the diced tomatoes butter beans and fresh parsley on top of the softened onions Gently toss everything together until the beans and tomatoes are evenly distributed This ensures each bite is balanced
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables Add in the red wine vinegar lemon juice and the remaining salt Toss well so the dressing coats every bean and tomato Watch as the colors start to glisten
- Season and Rest:
- Taste the salad Add black pepper and extra salt to your liking For a deeper flavor let the salad sit covered for twenty to thirty minutes before serving This allows the beans and veggies to soak in the dressing
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the piyaz to a serving bowl Sprinkle with Aleppo chili flakes for extra color and gentle heat Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite mains or bread
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One of my favorite parts of piyaz is the sumac It has a tang that wakes up every bite and reminds me of bustling Turkish markets where mounds of spices spill over onto the counters My kids now argue over who gets the last spoonful of beans
Storage Tips
Store piyaz in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps beautifully for up to three days The flavors continue to meld as it sits If the salad looks a little dry after refrigeration just drizzle a touch more olive oil and stir before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find butter beans canned cannellini or navy beans work well too Flat-leaf parsley is classic but curly parsley or even fresh mint makes a bright swap For a slightly different acidity try white wine vinegar in place of red wine vinegar
Serving Suggestions
Piyaz pairs perfectly with warm pita or crusty bread Scoop it up as a side to grilled meats kebabs or roasted vegetables It also shines as a main dish for a light vegetarian meal served with feta cheese and olives on the side
Cultural Context
Piyaz traces its roots to Ottoman cuisine and is beloved across Turkey from street food stalls to home tables Each region has its twist sometimes adding boiled eggs or tahini but the heart is always creamy beans tart onions and vibrant herbs
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This dish never fails to remind me of sunlit afternoons eating outdoors Each time I make it I am transported back to those first travels in Turkey now recreated in my own kitchen
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of beans are best for piyaz?
Butter beans or cannellini beans work well due to their creamy texture, absorbing flavors from the dressing.
- → Can I prepare piyaz in advance?
Yes, the salad improves as it marinates. Prepare up to a day ahead for deeper flavor infusion.
- → Is sumac essential for authentic flavor?
Sumac adds bright, citrusy notes. While traditional, you can substitute a little lemon zest if unavailable.
- → How should piyaz be served?
Serve chilled or at room temperature, either as a main with bread or as a vibrant side dish.
- → What pairs well with this salad?
Pair with grilled meats, falafel, or spoon over toasted pita for a satisfying meal.