Hatay Sarma İçi / Hatay Kısırı

Hatay Sarma İçi / Hatay Kısırı is a traditional dish from the culinary culture of Hatay province, made by kneading fine bulgur with tomato and pepper paste, then mixing it with various herbs and aromatic ingredients. Known locally as Nemmuş, this product was officially registered on 10.02.2026 following an application by the Hatay Governorate and is now protected under a geographical indication.

^{Hatay Sarma İçi / Hatay Kısırı (}Anadolu Ajansı⁾

The most distinctive feature of the product is that the bulgur is kneaded by hand without the use of water during preparation. This traditional method allows the bulgur to absorb the ingredients more effectively and achieve an ideal texture. Other distinctive qualities include:

• Ingredients: In addition to fine bulgur, the dish includes tomato and pepper paste, parsley, mint, fresh onion, pomegranate molasses, and olive oil.
• Aroma: The generous use of fresh herbs imparts a characteristic fragrance and freshness to the product.
• Flavor Balance: Pomegranate molasses and olive oil are essential components that enrich the flavor profile of the dish.
• Serving: Traditionally served with lettuce or vine leaves; during winter months, it is also commonly consumed with cabbage.

For a standard batch serving 12 to 15 people, the essential ingredients are: 1 kg of fine bulgur, 125 g of pepper paste, 62 g of tomato paste, olive oil (460 g), pomegranate molasses (100 g), and various spices (cumin, basil, salt).

1. Preparation: Herbs are cleaned and chopped, and the bulgur is washed and placed in a mixing bowl.
2. Kneading: Finely chopped dried onion, pepper paste, tomato paste, and spices are added to the bulgur, and kneading begins.
3. Softening: Lemon juice is added during kneading; once the bulgur is sufficiently softened, pomegranate molasses is incorporated and the process continues.
4. Combining: In the final stage, olive oil and chopped herbs are added and thoroughly mixed.

It is essential that the pepper paste, tomato paste, and pomegranate molasses used in production are sourced preferably from within the geographical boundary of Hatay province, and that all production stages take place within this region.

Compliance with registration requirements, production methods, and use of the geographical indication mark is monitored by a designated authority established under the coordination of the Hatay Governorate. This council, composed of experts, conducts at least one inspection per year. The product, its packaging, or a visible location on the premises must bear the mark “Hatay Sarma İçi / Hatay Kısırı” along with the official geographical indication emblem.