I recently discovered a delicious and refreshing salad called Biwaz. It’s a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is perfect for summer barbecues or as a side dish for any meal. This salad is made with a handful of simple ingredients, including a large white onion, fresh parsley leaves, lemon juice, olive oil, ground sumac, and kosher salt.
To make it, start by slicing the onion into thin half-moon slices and tossing them in a bowl with the other ingredients. The parsley leaves add a bright and herbaceous flavor to the dish, while the sumac and lemon juice provide a tangy and slightly sour taste. The olive oil and salt help to balance out the flavors and bring everything together.
If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful salad to add to your repertoire, Biwaz is worth a try. It’s quick and easy to make, and the combination of ingredients is sure to impress your taste buds.
Biwaz Origins
Biwaz has a rich history and cultural significance. In this section, we will explore the origins of Biwaz, including its historical significance and cultural relevance.
Historical Significance
Biwaz has been a staple dish in Syrian cuisine for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient city of Aleppo, where it was a popular dish among the locals. The dish was traditionally served during special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings and holidays.
The history of Biwaz is deeply intertwined with the history of Aleppo. The city has been a hub for trade and commerce for centuries, and its cuisine reflects the influence of various cultures and civilizations. Biwaz is a perfect example of this culinary fusion, as it combines local ingredients with flavors from the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
Cultural Relevance
Biwaz is more than just a dish – it is a cultural icon. It is a dish that has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is an important part of Syrian culinary heritage. The dish is often served during family gatherings, and it is a symbol of hospitality and generosity.
In Syrian culture, food is an essential part of social life. Sharing a meal with friends and family is a way of building and strengthening relationships. Biwaz, with its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, is the perfect dish for such occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion (white)
- 6 cups of loosely and roughly chopped packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 2 tbsp of ground sumac
- ½ tsp of kosher salt
How to Make Biwaz Salad?
- Cut off the top and bottom of the onion. Peel, rinse, and pat dry with paper towels. Slice each half into 1/4-inch-wide strips. Adjust to 1-1 1/2 inches long.
- After prepping the onion, separate the slices in a bowl. Mix in chopped parsley. Add lemon juice, olive oil, sumac, and a sprinkle of salt. Toss well to blend everything.
Making Tips
Texture and Flavor Enhancements
When making Biwaz, there are a few tips that can help enhance the texture and flavor of the dish. First, make sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. This will ensure that the parsley and onion are flavorful and not wilted or mushy.
To add some crunch to the dish, add some toasted pine nuts or walnuts. This will not only add texture but also bring a nutty flavor to the salad. Another way to enhance the flavor is to add some pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries. This will add a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the parsley and onion.
Finally, consider using good-quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients will help bring all the flavors together and give the dish a fresh and bright taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Biwaz, there are a few common mistakes that can be easily avoided. First, make sure to chop the parsley finely. This will help prevent large stems from being included in the dish and make it easier to eat.
Another common mistake is not properly seasoning the dish. Make sure to add enough salt to taste. Additionally, make sure you add enough sumac for a tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Finally, avoid overmixing the dish. This can cause the parsley to wilt and the onion to become too mushy. Instead, gently mix the ingredients and let the flavors meld together for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
As a versatile salad, Biwaz can be served as a side dish or a main course. Here are some serving suggestions for you to try.
Accompaniments
Biwaz goes well with a variety of dishes, especially Middle Eastern cuisine. It can be served as a side dish with grilled meats such as chicken, lamb, or beef. It also pairs well with rice dishes, such as pilaf or biryani.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving Biwaz with a mezze platter. Mezze is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers or snacks in the Middle East. Biwaz can be a refreshing addition to the platter, along with other dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and stuffed grape leaves.
Presentation Tips
The presentation of Biwaz is just as important as the taste. Here are some tips to make your Biwaz look as good as it tastes:
- Serve Biwaz in a shallow dish or a platter to showcase the vibrant colors of the parsley and onion.
- Garnish the Biwaz with a sprinkle of sumac or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and visual appeal.
- For a more rustic look, serve the Biwaz in a traditional Arabic bread bowl. This will not only add to the presentation but also make it easier to scoop up the salad with the bread.
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutritional information for one serving of Biwaz (based on the recipe that I followed):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 67 |
| Total Fat | 3.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 188 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 1.8 g |
As you can see, Biwaz is a low-calorie salad that is high in dietary fiber. The parsley in the salad is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, while the onion provides a good amount of vitamin C. The sumac used in the salad is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Moreover, Biwaz is a vegan and gluten-free salad, making it a great option for people with dietary restrictions.
Biwaz Variations
As with many traditional dishes, there are regional variations of Biwaz that have developed over time. Here are a few of the most popular variations.
Regional Twists
Lebanese Biwaz
Lebanese Biwaz is typically made with a combination of parsley and mint, which gives the dish a refreshing and zesty flavor. Additionally, Lebanese Biwaz often includes diced tomatoes, which adds a pop of color to the dish.
Syrian Biwaz
Syrian Biwaz is similar to the traditional version, but it often includes diced cucumbers and bell peppers, which add a crunchy texture to the dish. Additionally, some Syrian recipes call for pomegranate molasses instead of lemon juice, which gives the dish a sweet and tangy flavor.
Turkish Biwaz
Turkish Biwaz is made with a combination of parsley and dill, which gives the dish a unique and herbaceous flavor. Additionally, Turkish Biwaz often includes chopped walnuts, which add a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture to the dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Biwaz is a delicious salad that is easy to make and packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for those who want to add more greens to their diet while enjoying a tasty meal.
Biwaz is a versatile recipe that can be customized to your liking. You can add more or less onion, parsley, or lemon juice depending on your taste. You can also add other ingredients like diced tomatoes or sumac to give it an extra kick.
Overall, Biwaz is a healthy and flavorful salad that everyone should try. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish for dinner. Give it a try and enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of this delicious salad!
As already mentioned, Biwaz is great with grilled chicken.
Get this mouth-watering recipe now (by clicking the image below):
