Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Piyaz salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also brings a burst of fresh flavors to your table. The tanginess of sumac paired with crisp red onions and juicy tomatoes creates a perfect balance, enhancing grilled meats, kebabs, or even simple flatbreads. It’s a versatile side dish that adds both color and taste to your dining experience.
Ingredients
- 3 medium tomatoes, quartered and roughly chopped
- 1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 bunch of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) ground sumac
- ½ teaspoon paprika flakes (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Onions: Place the thinly sliced red onions in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and ground sumac. Using your hands, gently rub the sumac and salt into the onions until they soften and the flavors meld together.
- Combine Vegetables: Add the chopped tomatoes and parsley to the bowl with the onions. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil over the salad. Add paprika flakes, if using, and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish. It’s best enjoyed fresh, either on its own or as a side to your favorite main courses.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
- Preparation Time: Around 15 minutes.
Variations
- Bean Addition: Incorporate cooked white beans, such as cannellini or navy beans, to make the salad more filling and add a different texture.
- Tahini Dressing: For a creamier version, especially popular in the Antalya region of Turkey, mix in a tahini-based dressing. Combine tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and water to achieve a smooth consistency, and toss it with the salad.
- Herb Enhancements: Introduce other fresh herbs like mint or dill to add a unique flavor twist to the traditional recipe.
Storage/Reheating
While Piyaz salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before serving again, give it a gentle toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Note that the vegetables may release some moisture over time, slightly altering the salad’s texture.
FAQs
What is sumac, and where can I find it?
Sumac is a tangy, deep red spice commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It adds a lemony flavor to dishes. You can find sumac in specialty spice shops, Middle Eastern grocery stores, or online retailers.
Can I use other types of onions?
Yes, while red onions are traditional for their mild flavor and color, you can substitute with white or yellow onions if preferred. Keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
Absolutely, this Piyaz salad is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegans.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare Piyaz salad close to serving time to maintain its freshness and crispness. However, you can slice the onions and chop the parsley ahead of time, storing them separately, and then assemble the salad just before serving.
What dishes pair well with Piyaz salad?
Piyaz salad complements grilled meats, kebabs, meatballs (köfte), and flatbreads like lahmacun. It also works well as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus and olives.
How can I reduce the sharpness of raw onions?
Massaging the onions with sumac and salt, as described in the recipe, helps to soften them and reduce their sharpness. Alternatively, soaking the sliced onions in cold water for a few minutes before draining and adding to the salad can also mellow their flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Certainly! Some variations include adding sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
Is it necessary to use extra virgin olive oil?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and health benefits, but you can use regular olive oil or your preferred salad oil if desired.
How do I store leftover sumac?
Store sumac in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its flavor and color for several months.
Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili to introduce some heat to the salad. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
Conclusion
Piyaz salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together fresh ingredients and aromatic spices. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a staple in Turkish cuisine and a delightful addition to various meals. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or as part of a mezze spread, this salad is sure to
Piyaz traditional Turkish salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Discover the authentic flavors of Turkish cuisine with this Piyaz recipe. This tangy and refreshing salad combines red onions, tomatoes, parsley, and sumac for the perfect side dish to complement grilled meats, kebabs, or flatbreads. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s vegan, flavorful, and versatile.
Ingredients
- 3 medium tomatoes, quartered and roughly chopped
- 1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 bunch of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) ground sumac
- ½ teaspoon paprika flakes (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions:
Place sliced red onions in a bowl, sprinkle with salt and sumac, and gently massage to soften them. - Combine Vegetables:
Add the chopped tomatoes and parsley to the bowl with the onions. Mix gently. - Dress the Salad:
Drizzle lemon juice and olive oil over the salad. Add paprika flakes (if using) and black pepper to taste. Toss until combined. - Serve:
Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately as a refreshing side dish.
Notes
- To mellow the sharpness of onions, soak them in cold water for a few minutes before preparing.
- Add cooked white beans or a tahini dressing for a regional twist.
- Best served fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Turkish
