Bozuyuk Lentil Ravioli


Description and Distinctive Features of the Product:

Bozüyük Lentil Dumplings are made with green lentils and baked to perfection. Initially created in the villages between the Bozüyük and Söğüt districts, these dumplings are now mainly produced in Bozüyük, with production also spreading across the Bilecik province.

Bozuyuk Lentil Ravioli

In the production of Bozüyük Lentil Dumplings, the Kayı-91 variety of green lentils, specifically grown in Bilecik, is used because of its unique ability to form the dough for dumplings, distinguishing it from other green lentil varieties. The flour chosen for the dough must be appropriate for dumplings. The dough's resistance is determined by the gluten content in the wheat flour. The dough's resistance to stretching should range between 280-350 (BU), with elongation ability between 150-190 mm, and an energy value of 90-110 cm². The flour must contain at least 30% gluten and a minimum of 20% protein. Kneading the dough made from such flour requires skill and experience.

Production Method:

For the dough: 1 kg wheat flour, 2-3 eggs, water, and 1.2% salt.
For the filling: Green lentils, 0.5% dry onion, 0.5% black pepper, 0.3% salt.
For the sauce: Yogurt, tomato paste, garlic, butter, chicken broth, or meat broth.

Instructions:
Depending on the flour's water absorption capacity, add water and knead a mixture of flour, eggs, and salt. Kneading is the most important step when making Bozüyük Lentil Dumplings. If done by hand, it should take about 15-18 minutes; if done by machine, knead for at least 12 minutes. The kneading process is complete when the dough becomes slightly firmer than the "earlobe softness" described.

Allow the dough to rest for about 20-25 minutes. After resting, divide the dough into pieces about the size of a palm, and begin rolling them out. The exact quantity of dough pieces is not critical, but the thinness of the rolled-out dough is crucial. Typically, a thickness of 2-2.5 mm is ideal. Dough that is too thin cannot support the lentil filling, while dough that is too thick may not cook properly, leaving the dumplings raw.