🇹🇷 Turkey · Food
Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad with Tahini Dressing)
By eatmundo · July 5, 2026
Hailing from Antalya, Piyaz is a vibrant and refreshing white bean salad, often elevated with a creamy tahini-lemon dressing. It's a popular side dish, particularly alongside kebabs, showcasing a delightful mix of tender beans, fresh vegetables, and a unique, tangy flavor profile.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Start by preparing your beans: drain and rinse 2 cans (400g each) of cooked white beans thoroughly under cold water. If using dried beans, soak 1 cup overnight, then boil until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
- 2
Thinly slice 1 medium red onion into half-moons. To mellow its sharp flavor, place the slices in a bowl of cold water with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes, then drain well.
- 3
While the onion is soaking, dice 2 ripe medium tomatoes and finely chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley. These fresh additions are key to Piyaz's vibrant taste and texture.
- 4
Prepare the creamy tahini dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of tahini, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 crushed garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper until smooth. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
- 5
In a large serving bowl, gently combine the rinsed white beans, drained red onion slices, diced tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Be careful not to mash the beans.
- 6
Pour the prepared tahini dressing over the bean mixture. Using a gentle hand, toss everything together until the beans and vegetables are evenly coated. A light touch ensures the beans retain their shape.
- 7
For an authentic touch, hard-boil 2 eggs, slice them into quarters, and arrange them over the salad. Sprinkle generously with 1 teaspoon of sumac before serving. Piyaz is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled as a refreshing side!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use canned or dried white beans for Piyaz, and if dried, how should they be prepared?+
While canned can work for convenience, dried cannellini or large white beans (like "dermason" in Turkey) are preferred for their texture. Soak dried beans overnight, then boil until tender but not mushy, as they will absorb dressing without breaking apart.
How can I reduce the sharpness of the red onion in Piyaz?+
To mellow the raw red onion, slice it very thinly and then gently massage it with a pinch of salt. Rinse briefly and pat dry before adding to the salad to remove excess salt and further soften its bite.
What kind of egg is traditionally used in Piyaz, and how should it be cooked?+
Hard-boiled eggs are traditional for Piyaz. They should be cooked until the yolk is fully set, then cooled, peeled, and quartered or sliced to be added as a garnish or mixed in.
How can I ensure my tahini dressing for Piyaz is smooth and not too thick or lumpy?+
Gradually whisk in cold water or bean cooking liquid to the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt mixture until it reaches a pourable, creamy consistency. If it seizes, keep whisking and adding liquid slowly until it smooths out.
Mundo Match
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