Gaziantep Groom's Dolma, one of the deeply rooted dishes of Gaziantep's culinary culture, is a traditional dish prepared by hollowing out squash and filling them with a special mixture made with lamb meat, then boiling them. It was registered as a “Geographical Indication” by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office on November 18, 2020. It is also called “damat dolması” (groom's dolma) because it is served among wedding dishes in the Gaziantep region.
Gaziantep Groom's Dolma (Made by Artificial Intelligence)
Product Description and Distinctive Features
Gaziantep Groom's Dolma is generally prepared by hollowing out white or light green squash and filling them with a mixture of finely chopped lamb meat, rice, and spices.
• Appearance: The squash is cut to approximately 5-8 cm in length, and its insides are properly hollowed out. After cooking, the squash is soft, and the filling is granular and retains its consistency without falling apart.
• Taste and Aroma: The lamb meat, rice, tomato paste, black pepper, and optional spices used in the filling offer a rich and balanced flavor profile. A harmonious structure is formed with the slightly sweet aroma of the squash.
• Serving Suggestion: Served as a hot main course. It can be consumed with accompaniments such as yogurt or salad.
• Distinctive Features: Among the distinctive aspects of the product are the use of lamb meat chopped into small pieces rather than minced, and the special selection of squash suitable for stuffing. Additionally, the dish is cooked by boiling, and this technique is crucial for the consistency and flavor integrity of the filling.
Production Method
The production of Gaziantep Damat Dolması consists of the following stages:
• Ingredient Preparation: Squash is selected to be suitable for hollowing. They are cut to an average length of 5-8 cm, and their insides are properly hollowed out.
• Filling Preparation: Lamb meat is chopped into small pieces. The filling is prepared by mixing it with rice, tomato paste, black pepper, and optional spices.
• Stuffing: The hollowed squash is filled with the prepared mixture, not too tightly.
• Cooking: The stuffed squash is arranged in a pot. A sufficient amount of hot water is added, and they are boiled. During cooking, it is ensured that the stuffed squash do not fall apart and that the filling retains its granular structure.
• Presentation: The cooked stuffed squash is served hot. The product is particularly featured on wedding and special occasion tables in the Gaziantep region.
Gaziantep Groom's Dolma (YouTube)
Geographical Boundary and Inspection
The production of Gaziantep Groom's Dolma can only be carried out within the provincial borders of Gaziantep. The production process is supervised by Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality and relevant institutions.
