Circassian Stuffed Leek

Çerkeş Pırasa Dolması is a regional stuffed dish unique to the Çerkeş district of Çankırı Province in Türkiye. This dish is prepared by stuffing fresh leek leaves with a specially prepared filling and then cooking them. Çerkeş Pırasa Dolması, registered with a geographical indication by Çankırı Municipality, was officially registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on 3 July 2024 (Registration No: 1557).

Çerkeş Pırasa Dolması (Çankırı Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)

Production Process

Ingredients

The ingredients for approximately ten servings are as follows:

• 450–500 grams lean ground beef
• 175–180 grams rice (preferably Osmancık variety)
• 2 medium-sized dried onions
• 8–10 grams tomato paste
• 4–5 grams black pepper
• 5–6 grams red pepper flakes (hot)
• 4–5 grams dried mint
• 9–11 grams salt
• 180–200 millilitres sunflower oil

For the cooking broth

• 350–400 millilitres water
• 8–10 grams tomato paste
• 90–100 millilitres sunflower oil
• 4–5 grams salt

Preparation

First, the filling is prepared. The ground beef is thoroughly mixed with finely chopped onions, tomato paste, spices (black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried mint), salt and sunflower oil, kneaded until well combined, and left to rest for 10 minutes.

The leeks are cleaned and cut into pieces 10–12 centimetres long. These leek pieces are blanched in salted boiling water for approximately five minutes, then cooled. Once cooled, the individual leek leaves are carefully opened and filled with a measured amount of the filling, then rolled up.

The stuffed leeks are arranged in a pot. A pre-prepared mixture of tomato paste, sunflower oil, salt and water is poured over them. They are then cooked over low heat for approximately 30 minutes. The dish is served hot.

Cultural Significance

Çerkeş Pırasa Dolması is a traditional dish commonly prepared for weddings, holidays and special occasions in the region, where it holds an important place on the table. The use of local ingredients and unique cooking techniques has enabled the dish to be protected under its geographical indication registration.

Monitoring and Protection

The production of this dish is carried out under the supervision of Çerkeş Municipality and relevant official institutions. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with geographical indication standards. This protection system aims to sustain the quality and authenticity of the dish.