Piyaz

Piyaz Recipe - Vegetarian Turkish Dish with Black-Eyed Peas and Red Onion

Region / culture: Turkey | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Piyaz is a traditional Turkish salad made with a combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing. This refreshing dish is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats.

History

Piyaz has been a staple in Turkish cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Ottoman Empire. The name "piyaz" actually means "onion" in Persian, highlighting the importance of this ingredient in the dish. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of other vegetables and herbs, making it a versatile and flavorful salad.

Ingredients

0.5 large red onion, grated or ground by hand with a bit of salt sprinkled on the onion
2 cups black-eyed peas, soaked for 24 hours in salty water and boiled until done in the same water for soaking and drained well
4 roma tomatoes, diced
0.33 cup cilantro
2 tbsp dill weed (dry or fresh, whichever is available)
4 freshly squeezed lemons
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
salt and black pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1.5 tsp sumac
4-6 finely chopped garlic

How to prepare

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Allow the mixture to marinate for a few hours or up to 24 hours before serving.
This dish pairs perfectly with barbequed salmon.

Variations

Add cooked chickpeas or beans for extra protein and fiber.
Substitute parsley for cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to allow the mixture to marinate for at least a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

- For a more intense flavor, toast the cumin seeds before grinding them for the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Piyaz as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing meal.

Cooking Techniques

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and allow them to marinate for a few hours before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar.

- Substitute fresh mint for dill weed if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Piyaz can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to mix well before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Piyaz in a decorative bowl and garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Piyaz pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or kebabs. It also goes well with other Turkish dishes such as hummus or tabbouleh.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 90

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 18g

Dietary Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 6g

Fats

Total Fat: 1g

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 36% DV

Vitamin A: 15% DV

Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Piyaz is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense salad that is high in fiber and vitamins. It is a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.

Summary

Piyaz is a flavorful and healthy Turkish salad that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its fresh ingredients and tangy dressing, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Piyaz. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a small village in Turkey to attend a local food festival. As I wandered through the bustling market stalls, the aroma of spices and herbs filled the air, drawing me towards a small booth where an elderly woman was preparing a traditional Turkish salad.

Intrigued by her skillful hands and the vibrant colors of the ingredients she was using, I approached her and struck up a conversation. She smiled warmly and welcomed me to watch as she prepared the dish, explaining each step in detail. As she chopped fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, she shared stories of her grandmother teaching her the recipe when she was just a young girl.

I was captivated by her passion for cooking and the deep connection she felt to her family's culinary traditions. I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. She handed me a handwritten recipe card, stained with years of use, and told me to cherish it as she had cherished the memories of learning to make Piyaz from her grandmother.

Over the years, I have perfected the recipe, adapting it to suit my own taste preferences and experimenting with different variations. The key, I have found, is to use the freshest ingredients possible – ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, sweet red onions, and fragrant herbs like parsley and mint. The dressing, made with tangy lemon juice, rich olive oil, and pungent sumac, ties everything together in a symphony of flavors.

Whenever I make Piyaz now, I am transported back to that sunny day in the Turkish village, watching the elderly woman lovingly prepare the salad and listening to her stories of family and food. I am grateful for the chance encounter that led me to discover this delicious recipe and for the opportunity to pass it down to future generations.

My own grandchildren have grown to love Piyaz as much as I do, and they often request it for family gatherings and special occasions. I smile as I watch them eagerly help me chop vegetables and mix the dressing, knowing that they are learning not just how to make a salad, but also how to connect with their heritage and create lasting memories through food.

As I write this story, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to preserve traditions, and to nourish both body and soul. The recipe for Piyaz may have come to me by chance, but its significance in my life is anything but random. It is a reminder of the love and care that goes into every dish we prepare, and the joy that comes from sharing that love with others.

So the next time you make Piyaz, take a moment to savor the flavors, to appreciate the history behind the recipe, and to pass on the tradition to those you hold dear. In doing so, you will not just be making a salad – you will be creating a connection to the past and a legacy for the future. And that, my dear grandchildren, is the true magic of cooking.