National Dish Turkmenistan: Piyaz (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Piyaz, a fresh and vibrant bean salad that sits close to the heart of Turkmen home cooking! Built from a handful of everyday ingredients — beans, onions and a splash of vinegar — it delivers big flavour and a satisfying crunch with very little fuss. Light enough to serve as a side yet hearty enough to stand alone on a warm day, Piyaz brings a taste of Turkmenistan straight to your own table.
About Piyaz
Piyaz is not only a culinary highlight but also an essential part of Turkmen food culture. This bean salad combines simple ingredients such as fresh beans, onions and vinegar to create a dish that is both healthy and full of flavour. Its versatility makes Piyaz the perfect accompaniment to countless main courses, or even a refreshing main dish in its own right on warmer days. The harmonious flavours and crisp texture make Piyaz a real treat for every palate.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g fresh beans (e.g. green or white beans)
- 1 large onion
- 3 tablespoons vinegar (preferably apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (e.g. parsley or dill), to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Piyaz, it is worth choosing the freshest produce you can find, as the quality of the ingredients strongly influences the finished salad. Crisp beans and firm onions are the backbone of the dish, so pick them with care at a local market or greengrocer. A good vinegar matters too, since it carries much of the flavour — apple cider vinegar works beautifully. This salad shares the fresh, market-driven spirit of Turkmen classics like Copan Salatasy.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Piyaz is wonderfully straightforward and calls for only a few basic steps. Begin by washing the beans and slicing the onion into fine rings or dice, according to your preference. It is a good idea to blanch the beans before use, as this deepens their flavour and improves the texture. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to making Piyaz, so feel free to experiment with the ingredients!
Step-by-step instructions
- Blanch the beans in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then drain.
- In a bowl, combine the blanched beans with the sliced onions.
- Add the olive oil and vinegar and mix everything together well.
- Season with salt and pepper, then fold through fresh herbs to taste.
- Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving, so the flavours can develop.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Piyaz is naturally both gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes it perfect for anyone with those intolerances. The ingredients are entirely plant-based and contain no hidden sources of gluten. Do take care, however, that the oils and vinegars you use are also free from gluten, so there is no risk of cross-contamination.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
A vegan or vegetarian diet can be beautifully enriched by Piyaz. The dish is not only entirely plant-based but also offers an excellent source of protein thanks to the beans. To boost the nutritional value even further, you can add chickpeas or lentils. This turns Piyaz into a complete meal that is both filling and healthy.
More tips and tricks
A few small tricks can make your Piyaz even better. Experiment with different types of vinegar, or add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Folding in shredded vegetables such as carrots or peppers can also lend the salad an extra dimension of flavour. Let your creativity run free and discover new tastes along the way.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Piyaz is very easy to adapt to personal preference. If you like a bit of heat, add finely chopped chillies. For a fruity note, sliced tomatoes or avocado work well. Nuts or seeds can provide extra crunch, making the dish even more interesting.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have every ingredient to hand, there are plenty of alternatives to fall back on. Instead of fresh beans, you can use tinned beans, simply rinsed and drained. In place of vinegar, lemon juice makes a refreshing alternative. Experiment with different oils, such as sunflower or grapeseed oil, to discover different flavour profiles.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs wonderfully with Piyaz. A cool, refreshing sparkling water with lemon rounds off the dish perfectly. Unsweetened herbal teas or lightly fizzy lemonades also make a pleasant accompaniment, as does a glass of traditional Ayran. If you prefer something alcoholic, a dry white wine complements the salad’s flavours beautifully.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of Piyaz can noticeably enhance the eating experience. Serve the salad in an attractive, deep bowl to show off a generous portion. Decorate the dish with fresh herbs or edible flowers to add a splash of colour. Additional side dishes in small bowls can enliven the table in a pleasing way and leave a festive impression — much as they would alongside a hearty Etli Palaw.
A bit of history
Piyaz has its roots in traditional Turkmen cuisine, which is strongly shaped by the climate and the ingredients available. Beans and onions are staple foods in many cultures, and Piyaz reflects this universal approach. The bean salad is often served at festivities and celebrations, and over the centuries it has established itself as a much-loved dish. Its simplicity and versatility make it a timeless classic of Turkmen home cooking, sitting comfortably in the broader world of Turkmen cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Piyaz
Piyaz is a delicious and healthy bean salad that no Turkmen kitchen should be without. With its easy-to-source ingredients and flexible preparation, it is the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether served as a side or as a light main course, its refreshing flavours and crisp texture make the salad a genuine pleasure. Let Piyaz inspire you and bring a little piece of Turkmenistan to your own plate!
