Elazığ Sırın Dish

Elazığ sırın yemeği is a traditional dish specific to the province of Elazığ, officially registered as a geographical indication. This dish combines thin sheets of dough with garlic-infused yogurt and heated salted butter, and holds a deep-rooted place in Elazığ’s culinary culture, closely associated with the region.

Definition and Distinctive Characteristics

Elazığ sırın yemeği begins with dough made from bread wheat flour, water, and salt, which is rolled into thin sheets and cooked on a griddle. The cooked sheets are folded in half and rolled into cylinders, then cut into 6–8 cm lengths and arranged vertically in a tray. Crushed garlic mixed with yogurt and heated salted butter is spread over the top. Optional seasoning includes pul biber. The dish is served hot.

The distinctive features of the dish are the preservation of the rolled shape of the dough sheets when arranged vertically and the combined use of garlic-infused yogurt with heated butter. This technique differentiates sırın yemeği visually and flavor-wise from similar dishes.

Production Method

The production process for approximately eight servings of Elazığ sırın yemeği is as follows:

Dough Preparation

• 1 kg bread wheat flour
• 250 ml water
• 10 g salt

The dough is kneaded and left to rest for 30 minutes. It is then divided into 50 g portions and rolled out into sheets 50–60 cm in diameter and approximately 1 mm thick. The sheets are cooked on a griddle, turning once.

Sauce Preparation

• 7–8 garlic cloves
• 2 kg yogurt
• 250 g salted butter

The garlic is crushed and mixed with yogurt. The prepared dough sheets are rolled into cylinders and cut, then tightly arranged in a tray. The garlic-infused yogurt is poured over them, followed by a layer of heated butter. Pul biber is added optionally.

Geographical Context and Registration Information

Elazığ sırın yemeği is protected under the Industrial Property Law No. 6769 as a geographical indication. The product, applied for on 22 September 2022, was officially registered on 9 May 2023 under number 1355. The registered owner is the Elazığ Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Production must occur within the boundaries of Elazığ province.

Monitoring Process

The conformity of the product with geographical indication criteria is inspected at least once annually by a three-member monitoring body coordinated by the Elazığ Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Inspection criteria include the suitability of ingredients, adherence to the production method, and correct use of the indication.