Behi Dulma

Behi Dulma

Беҳи дулма (beh-HEE dool-MAH)

Stuffed Quince

Prep Time 40 min
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
4
🔥 Calories 366 kcal

Golden quinces hollowed and stuffed with spiced lamb and rice, braised until tender in a sweet-savory broth.

Nutrition & Info

370 kcal per serving
Protein 18.0g
Carbs 42.0g
Fat 14.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

baking dish corer saucepan

Presentation Guide

Vessel: ceramic baking dish

Garnishes: braising juices, fresh mint

Accompaniments: steamed rice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cut tops off quinces, hollow out cores leaving walls intact.

  2. 2

    Mix lamb, par-cooked rice, onion, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper.

  3. 3

    Stuff quinces with the filling, replace tops.

  4. 4

    Arrange in a baking dish. Mix water, sugar, and butter, pour around quinces.

  5. 5

    Cover tightly, braise in oven at 180°C for 1.5 hours until quinces are tender.

  6. 6

    Baste occasionally with pan juices. Serve with the reduced braising liquid.

💡

Did You Know?

Quince was known as the golden apple in ancient Persia, and stuffing it with meat was considered a dish worthy of kings.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • baking dish
  • corer
  • saucepan

Garnishing

braising juices, fresh mint

Accompaniments

steamed rice

The Story Behind Behi Dulma

Behi dulma comes from the Persian tradition of dolmeh — stuffing fruits and vegetables with meat and rice. Quinces grow abundantly in Tajikistan's Fergana Valley, and this autumn dish celebrates the harvest season with its unique combination of tart fruit and aromatic lamb.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed autumn dinner 📜 Origins: Persian classical period

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