Piyaz with Tahini (Antalya Style)

White beans: These are the base of the salad, providing a hearty and nutritious element.

Onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Tomato: Brings a juicy, fresh taste and vibrant color to the salad.

Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and balances the flavors.

Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note that enhances the overall taste.

Tahini: A creamy paste made from sesame seeds, essential for the dressing.

Lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the dressing.

Olive oil: Helps to emulsify the dressing and adds a rich flavor.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic element to the dressing.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish.

When preparing the onion for this piyaz, soak the thinly sliced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help to reduce its sharpness and make it more palatable, ensuring a balanced flavor in the final dish.

• white beans - Substitute with chickpeas: Chickpeas have a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making them a good alternative.

• onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• tomato - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers add a sweet and crunchy texture, similar to tomatoes.

• cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good replacement.

• parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor, similar to parsley.

• tahini - Substitute with peanut butter: Peanut butter has a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, though it will add a slightly different taste.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with shallot: Shallots can provide a similar aromatic quality, though they are milder.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a different taste profile.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a similar spiciness, though it is hotter, so use sparingly.

• To store your Piyaz with Tahini, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors might even meld together more beautifully over time.
• If you plan to enjoy the Piyaz later, give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the tahini dressing evenly.
• For freezing, portion the Piyaz into smaller, freezer-safe containers. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need.
• Label each container with the date to keep track of its freshness. The Piyaz can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw the Piyaz in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid using the microwave as it can alter the texture of the vegetables.
• Once thawed, give the Piyaz a good stir. You might want to add a bit more lemon juice or olive oil to refresh the flavors.
• Enjoy your Piyaz with Tahini as a delightful side dish or a light meal, knowing it has been stored with care.

• For a quick and easy method, place the piyaz in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open to allow steam to escape. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overheat, as the vegetables can become mushy.

• If you prefer a more gentle reheating method, use a stovetop. Transfer the piyaz to a non-stick skillet or saucepan. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This method helps maintain the texture of the vegetables and beans.

• For those who enjoy a slightly warm but still fresh-tasting piyaz, consider using a double boiler. Place the piyaz in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the piyaz is warmed to your liking. This method is gentle and helps preserve the integrity of the tahini dressing.

• If you have an oven available, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Spread the piyaz evenly in an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is ideal if you are reheating a larger quantity and want to maintain the dish's original texture.

• For a unique twist, consider serving the piyaz at room temperature. Simply take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the tahini dressing to become more pronounced.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the cooked white beans, sliced onion, diced tomato, diced cucumber, and chopped parsley.

• Whisk: Essential for blending the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper into a smooth dressing.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the onion, dicing the tomato and cucumber, and chopping the parsley.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for cutting the vegetables and herbs.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic quickly and efficiently.

• Measuring cups: Use these to measure out the cooked white beans, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Needed for measuring the salt and pepper to taste.

• Serving spoon: Useful for tossing the salad gently to combine all the ingredients with the dressing.

• Refrigerator: If you choose to refrigerate the piyaz for later, this will keep it fresh.

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, tomato, cucumber, and parsley in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use canned beans: Opt for canned white beans to save time on cooking.

Make dressing in bulk: Prepare extra tahini dressing and store it in the fridge for future use.

Minimize cleanup: Use a single bowl for mixing the bean mixture and another for the dressing to reduce dishwashing.

Quick garlic prep: Use pre-minced garlic to save time on peeling and chopping.