Urfa Cauldron Kebab / Şanlıurfa Cauldron Kebab

Urfa kazan kebabı, also known as Şanlıurfa kazan kebabı, is a dish with deep roots in Şanlıurfa’s culinary culture that has reflected the palate of the local population for centuries. Its distinguishing feature lies in slicing eggplants and tomatoes without separating them completely, filling the gaps between the slices with spiced minced meat, and flavoring the dish with local clarified butter. This geographical indication, in the form of a mahreç symbol, was officially registered on 26 December 2018.

Product Characteristics

The main ingredients of Urfa kazan kebabı are eggplant, tomato, and spiced minced meat. The minced meat used in the mixture is medium-fat lamb sourced from İvesi breed lambs raised in the region. Another essential component is clarified butter made from the milk of small livestock raised in the Şanlıurfa region. The spice mixture also includes dried onion, fresh red pepper, Şanlıurfa pepper (dried isot), black pepper, salt, and tomato paste.

Production Method

The production stages of Urfa kazan kebabı are as follows:

• Preparation of the Spice Mixture: Medium-fat lamb mince is mixed with finely chopped dried onion and fresh red pepper (isot), grated tomato (two pieces), half a tablespoon of tomato paste, Şanlıurfa pepper (dried isot), black pepper, and salt to form the spiced mixture.

• Preparation of Ingredients: The tops of the eggplants are cut off and sliced vertically at approximately one-centimeter intervals, leaving them connected at the base. The same procedure is applied to three tomatoes.

• Assembly and Cooking: The prepared spiced minced meat is stuffed into the cuts between the sliced eggplants and tomatoes. The stuffed eggplants and tomatoes are arranged in a cooking pot. The remaining tomato paste, salt, and water mixed with clarified butter are poured over the top. The dish is cooked over low heat until all the liquid has been absorbed.

Geographical Boundary and Control

The geographical boundary of the product is limited to Şanlıurfa province. Urfa kazan kebabı / Şanlıurfa kazan kebabı has been produced in this region for centuries, preserving its cultural heritage and use of local ingredients. Control activities are coordinated by the Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The control authority includes one representative each from the Şanlıurfa Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, Şanlıurfa Restaurant, Kebab and Dessert Traders’ Guild, and Şanlıurfa Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The control authority verifies that the product is manufactured strictly in accordance with the specified methods and stages. Regular inspections are conducted once a year, but inspections may be carried out at any time in response to complaints or suspicions. The control authority has the legal right to pursue judicial action against unauthorized use of the geographical indication. Support may be sought from public or private institutions when necessary.