Karaman Ilısa Dolma

Karaman İlisıra Dolması is an original stuffed dish belonging to the traditional culinary culture of Yollarbaşı village in the central district of Karaman. It is prepared by stuffing eggplants with a filling made of Karaman-type large bulgur and minced meat. Named after the village’s former name, “İlisıra,” this dish is especially prepared on special occasions such as holidays, weddings, and engagements. It was officially registered with a geographical indication mark in 2023.

Distinctive Features

Karaman İlisıra Dolması is a stuffed dish prepared with fatty beef mince, Karaman-type large pilaf bulgur, eggplant, tomato, green pepper, parsley, dried onion, tomato and pepper paste, egg, salt, butter, and garlic-strained yogurt. The filling is prepared and placed between the eggplant halves, then cooked in a sauce. It can also be made using dried eggplant during winter months. The most distinctive feature of the product is the use of Karaman-type bulgur in the filling. This bulgur is dehulled using a stone mill and crushed into an oval shape. Its color and texture are preserved in their most natural wheat-like form, ensuring its unique flavor and aroma.

The dish is served hot, with crushed garlic mixed into strained yogurt drizzled over the top. The shape and arrangement of the eggplants also contribute to its visual appeal. The butter used in production is likewise obtained through traditional methods within the geographical boundary.

Karaman İlisıra Dolması (Turkish Patent and Trademark Office)

Origin

Karaman İlisıra Dolması is deeply associated with the culinary culture of Yollarbaşı village. The entire process, from the production of the bulgur to its cooking, follows methods unique to this region, forming the dish’s geographical identity. The dish has ancient roots and is frequently prepared by villagers on special occasions such as holidays, weddings, and engagements.

Production Method

The following ingredients and steps are required for preparing Karaman İlisıra Dolması for ten servings:

Ingredients

• 1 kg eggplant
• 170 g tomato
• 75 g green pepper
• 60 g parsley
• 300 g fatty beef mince
• 115 g large pilaf bulgur (Karaman-type)
• 100 g dried onion
• 105 g tomato paste
• 60 g egg (approximately one)
• 60 g butter
• 1000 ml water
• 12 g salt
• 180 g strained yogurt
• 1 head garlic

Preparation

The eggplants are peeled in a striped pattern, then cut lengthwise and crosswise into halves, without separating the pieces. After being soaked in salted water, they are drained and squeezed. The onion, tomato, pepper, and parsley are finely chopped. Minced meat, bulgur, paste, salt, and egg are added and kneaded into a filling. Approximately 15 g of the filling is placed between each eggplant half. The prepared stuffed eggplants are arranged in a wide, shallow pot. Thirty-five grams of tomato paste are sautéed in butter, then water and salt are added to make the sauce, which is poured hot over the stuffed eggplants. They are cooked over low heat until the bulgur becomes tender. Before serving, crushed garlic is mixed into the strained yogurt and drizzled over the dish.

Geographical Indication Registration

Karaman İlisıra Dolması was registered as a geographical indication mark on 23 August 2023 under registration number 1457, following an application submitted on 2 November 2022 by the Karaman Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property.

Monitoring

Monitoring is carried out by a committee of at least three experts coordinated by the Karaman Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, including specialists from the Karaman Bakers, Pastry Makers, Restaurant Owners and Food Producers Artisans Association and the Karaman Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Monitoring is conducted at least once annually, and also in cases of complaints or when deemed necessary. During inspections, the suitability of ingredients, adherence to the production method, and correct use of the registered geographical indication emblem are verified.