Antalya Piyaz is a traditional and geographically indicated dish from Antalya, Turkey, celebrated for its unique preparation and cultural significance. This flavorful bean dish, enriched with a creamy tarator sauce, stands out from other piyaz varieties across Turkey. While most piyaz types are served as salads, Antalya Piyaz is considered a main course due to its rich and satisfying composition.

Distinctive Features

1. Tarator Sauce
   The hallmark of Antalya Piyaz is its tarator sauce, which gives the dish its distinctive flavor and creamy texture. Made from tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and salt, the sauce is occasionally thickened with mashed beans from the dish itself. This blend creates a rich, nutty, and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the beans. The addition of vinegar is optional, providing a subtle tartness.

2. Special Bean Variety
   Antalya Piyaz uses small, firm-textured beans, traditionally the Çandır Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Due to limited production of this variety today, small, matte, and veined Sıra Beans with similar characteristics are used. These beans are prized for their ability to hold their shape during cooking, ensuring a visually appealing and texturally satisfying dish.

3. Unique Cooking Technique
   The beans are soaked overnight in salted water to enhance their texture and flavor. After draining and rinsing, they are boiled until tender without becoming mushy. The careful preparation ensures that the beans absorb the flavors of the tarator sauce while maintaining their integrity.

4. Serving and Presentation
   Antalya Piyaz is traditionally served warm, with the beans lightly mixed in the tarator sauce to coat them evenly. It is garnished with fresh tomatoes, parsley, and optional boiled eggs. Sweet white onions can also be added upon preference. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the dish's richness, while its vibrant presentation reflects the fresh, wholesome ingredients.

5. Flavor Balance
   The combination of the creamy tarator sauce, the earthy beans, the tangy tomatoes, and the aromatic olive oil creates a harmonious blend of flavors. Optional boiled eggs and onions add additional layers of taste and texture, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

6. A Main Course with a Salad’s Spirit
   Unlike other piyaz varieties that are served as side dishes or salads, Antalya Piyaz is substantial enough to be enjoyed as a main course. The inclusion of tahini-based tarator sauce elevates it beyond a simple bean salad, making it a hearty and fulfilling dish.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Antalya Piyaz has a culinary history spanning nearly a century and has become a must-try specialty for visitors to the region. Its fame extends beyond the borders of Antalya, attracting both local and international tourists. The dish reflects the region’s innovative use of local ingredients and its adaptability to changing times, as seen in the transition from Çandır Beans to Sıra Beans.

Ingredients Used

• Beans: Small-sized, firm-textured Sıra Beans or Çandır Beans
• Tarator Sauce: Tahini, garlic, lemon juice, salt, with optional vinegar and mashed beans
• Toppings: Fresh tomatoes, parsley, optional boiled eggs, and sweet white onions
• Garnish: Extra virgin olive oil for a smooth finish

Culinary Experience

Antalya Piyaz is not just a dish but a culinary experience that embodies the flavors of the region. Its creamy, tangy, and nutty taste pairs perfectly with the freshness of the garnishes, creating a balanced and flavorful meal. It is often enjoyed with traditional drinks like ayran, a salty yogurt-based beverage, which complements its rich flavors.

Symbol of Antalya’s Heritage

As a geographically indicated product, Antalya Piyaz represents the culinary identity of Antalya. It showcases the region's commitment to preserving its traditional recipes and the artistry of local cooks who have perfected this dish over generations.

A Must-Try Dish for Visitors

For those visiting Antalya, tasting Antalya Piyaz is an essential part of the journey. It offers a unique perspective on Turkish cuisine and reflects the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region. Whether enjoyed as a main course or part of a larger meal, Antalya Piyaz leaves a lasting impression with its distinctive flavors and presentation.