Description
Piyaz is a refreshing Turkish white bean salad featuring tender butter beans combined with fresh tomatoes, red onions, and parsley, all tossed in a tangy dressing of lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, accented with sumac and Aleppo chili flakes for a vibrant flavor. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a light meal or a side dish and comes together in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Beans
- 1 can butter beans, drained (15 oz)
Seasonings and Spices
- 2 teaspoons sumac
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes (pul biber)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
Instructions
- Prepare onions: In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced red onions, 2 teaspoons of sumac, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Use your hands to thoroughly rub the sumac and salt into the onions for about 30-60 seconds to soften and flavor them.
- Add tomatoes and beans: Add the diced tomatoes, drained butter beans, and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl with the onions. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Make the dressing: Pour in the fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Toss the salad again until everything is well coated with the dressing.
- Season to taste: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more sea salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Add the Aleppo chili flakes for a subtle heat and flavor.
- Optional marinating: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and set it aside for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop before serving.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring freshness and flavor retention.
Notes
- For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before mixing with sumac and salt.
- Sumac adds a pleasantly tangy flavor; if unavailable, substitute with a squeeze of extra lemon juice.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs on top for a traditional garnish.
- Use fresh parsley for best flavor; cilantro can be substituted if preferred.
- Adjust Aleppo chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Turkish
