Fasulye Piyaz

🫘Fasulye Piyaz Recipe – Traditional North Cypriot Bean Salad

If you’ve ever travelled to North Cyprus, you’ve likely come across Fasulye Piyaz – a refreshing and healthy white bean salad that is served in homes, tavernas, and meyhanes across the island. This classic Cypriot dish is both light and filling, making it the perfect side dish for grilled meats, kebabs, or even enjoyed on its own as a wholesome vegetarian meal.
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❓What is Fasulye Piyaz?

Fasulye Piyaz is a Mediterranean bean salad made with boiled white beans, onions, tomatoes, parsley, and a tangy olive oil and lemon dressing. It is a staple in Turkish and Cypriot cuisine, often enjoyed during hot summer months because it’s refreshing and packed with protein.

In Northern Cyprus, Fasulye Piyaz is commonly served as part of a mezze spread, alongside dishes like hellim (halloumi), şiş kebab, and freshly baked village bread.
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🥗Ingredients for North Cypriot Fasulye Piyaz

To make a traditional Fasulye Piyaz, you’ll need:
• 250g dried white beans (or 2 cans of cooked beans, rinsed and drained)
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, chopped (optional, Cypriot variation)
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 boiled eggs (optional, for garnish – common in Cyprus)
• Black olives, handful (optional)

For the dressing:
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon (or 2 tbsp grape vinegar, depending on preference)
• 1 tsp sumac (traditional spice for a tangy flavour)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
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👨‍🍳Step-by-Step Method

🚿Prepare the beans
• If using dried beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse.
• Boil in fresh water until tender (about 40–60 minutes). Drain and let cool.

🥦Prepare the vegetables
• Slice the onion thinly and soak in a little salt water or lemon juice for 10 minutes to soften the sharpness.
• Chop tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley.

🫗Make the dressing
• Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), sumac, salt, and pepper.

🥗Assemble the salad
• In a large bowl, combine beans, onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley.
• Pour over the dressing and toss gently.

🍽️Garnish and serve
• Slice the boiled eggs and place on top.
• Add a few black olives for extra flavour.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature with warm bread.
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📝Tips for the Perfect Fasulye Piyaz

• Use dried beans if possible – they have a better texture than canned.
• Don’t skip the sumac – it gives the salad its authentic tangy flavour.
• Serve as a mezze – pairs beautifully with grilled fish, köfte, or lamb chops.
• Make ahead – the flavours improve after resting in the fridge for a few hours.
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📊Variations in Northern Cyprus

• Some Cypriot households add pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness.
• Others replace lemon with grape vinegar, giving the salad a sharper edge.
• A more rustic version includes spring onions and green peppers.
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😋Why You Should Try Fasulye Piyaz

Fasulye Piyaz is more than just a salad – it’s part of the culinary heritage of Cyprus. High in protein, fibre, and vitamins, this dish is both healthy and satisfying. Whether served as a light lunch or as part of a mezze spread in North Cyprus, it captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine: simple, fresh, and full of flavour.
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🌸Final Thoughts

Next time you’re craving something fresh yet filling, try this authentic North Cypriot Fasulye Piyaz recipe. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that has been enjoyed on the island for generations.

Pair it with warm bread, a glass of rakı, and good company – and you’ll understand why Fasulye Piyaz remains a favourite across Northern Cyprus.