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Piyaz

Authentic Turkish Piyaz recipe featuring thinly sliced onions softened with salt, tossed with fresh parsley, sumac, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Level Easy Prep 15 min Servings 4 Score 4.8/10

Ready in

15 min

Makes 4 servings

Prep 15m

Level Easy

About this recipe

Authentic Turkish Piyaz recipe featuring thinly sliced onions softened with salt, tossed with fresh parsley, sumac, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Traditional Turkish Piyaz is a vibrant sumac-spiked onion and parsley salad served as a fresh side dish.

Ingredients

Servings

Units

Salad Base

2 large yellow onions or red onions (thinly sliced into half-moons)
1 tsp coarse salt (for rubbing and softening onions)
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley (coarsely chopped)

Dressing

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Dressing and Seasoning

1 tbsp ground sumac
salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper (optional)

Equipment

Sharp chef's knife For slicing onions and chopping parsley
Cutting board
Mixing bowl For combining salad ingredients
Colander For rinsing and draining onions
Small whisk or bowl For mixing the dressing

Instructions

Thinly slice the onions into half-moons. Place them in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with coarse salt. Use your hands to gently massage and rub the salt into the onions for a couple of minutes to soften them and remove their harsh bitterness.
5 min
Rinse the onions thoroughly under cold water in a colander to wash away excess salt, then drain well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
5 min
Transfer the drained onions back to the bowl and add the coarsely chopped fresh parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, ground sumac, and red pepper flakes.
2 min
Pour the dressing over the onion and parsley mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly, adjust salt if needed, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
3 min

Nutrition

Calories 110

Protein 1g

Carbs 9g

Fat 8g

Fiber 2g

Sugar 4g

Sodium 220mg

Serving Size 1 serving

Cooking Timeline

Prep 15 min

Total 15 min

Recipe Scorecard

Overall 9.4 /10

Expert 4.8 95% conf.

Taste 9.5
Presentation 9.0
Nutrition 9.0
Value 9.5
Instructions 9.5
Ingredients 9.5
Time Accuracy 9.5
Difficulty 9.8
Would Make Again 9.8

Video

Watch on Youtube

Expert Review

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

Verdict

A bright, sharp, and refreshing Turkish onion salad that pairs wonderfully with heavy or grilled meats.

Pros

Quick and easy
Bold and zesty flavor
Requires minimal ingredients

Cons

Raw onions have a strong lingering aftertaste

Overview

Traditional Turkish Piyaz is a vibrant sumac-spiked onion and parsley salad served as a fresh side dish.

AI Insights

Summary

Authentic Turkish Piyaz recipe featuring thinly sliced onions softened with salt, tossed with fresh parsley, sumac, lemon juice, and olive oil.

Tips

Do not skip massaging the onions with salt to reduce pungency
Use authentic Turkish sumac for the best tangy flavor profile
Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to absorb the dressing

Substitutions

Yellow onions → red onions for a milder taste and vibrant color
Lemon juice → pomegranate molasses for extra tang

Storage

Best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, though onions will soften further.

Pairing

Grilled lamb or chicken kebabs
Adana kebab or kofte

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FAQ

How do you take the bitterness out of raw onions?

Massaging the sliced onions with salt and then rinsing them thoroughly under cold water effectively removes harsh bitter compounds while keeping the onion crisp.

Can I add boiled beans to this recipe?

Yes, in some Turkish regions (like Antalya), Piyaz refers to a white bean salad that includes onions, boiled white beans, hard-boiled eggs, and tahini dressing.