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Cappadocia (Turkey)
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Meat
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
460kcal
25gProtein
55gCarbs
18gFat
7gFibre
350 gServing
* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.
Stuffed Quince
How to order / say it
Say it
Ayva Dolması — [AY-vah dol-MAH-suh]
Order
I'd like the Stuffed Quince, please.
Locally
Ayva dolması alabilir miyim, lütfen?
Say locally
Quinces stuffed with meat and spices, baked in the oven
Why try it?
This brings together the fruit's natural companionship with meats, a reflection of the resourcefulness and creativity in Turkish cuisine. It transforms a local fruit into a comforting and hearty dish.
How it tastes
The quince, once baked, offers a sweet aroma that counterbalances the savory filling. The fruit's natural acidity marries well with the spices and meat, resulting in a unique harmony of sweet, sour, and savory notes.
Origin & History — first documented: 1500
Ayva Dolması is a testament to historical Ottoman influences in the region. Using quinces, which were abundant in the Anatolian region since the 1500s, this dish showcases how locals adapted fruits to savory dishes. Over time, it became a traditional dish particularly enjoyed in colder months.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large quince
- 🥩 250 g ground beef
- 🌾 100 g rice
- 🧄 1 small onion
- 🌿 30 g parsley
- 🧂 1/2 tsp pepper
- 🧂 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 🥛 25 g butter
Method
- 1 Hollow out the quinces, leaving a 1 cm shell.
- 2 Mix ground beef, rice, chopped onion, and spices.
- 3 Stuff the quince shells with the mixture, cover with lids made from the removed tops.
- 4 Place in a baking dish, dot with butter, and bake at 180°C for 1 hour.
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