Manti (Turkish Dumplings) Recipe – Turkey Special
Manti are traditional Turkish dumplings filled with seasoned ground meat and served with a rich yogurt-garlic sauce and a drizzle of spiced butter.
These bite-sized dumplings are beloved across Central Asia and the Middle East, known for their delicate texture and bold flavors.
Making manti from scratch is a labor of love, but the result is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
- Prep Time45 min
- Cook Time20 min
- Total Time1 hr 5 min
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water (more if needed)
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or Aleppo pepper)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or mint
- Dried mint (optional)
Prepare the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
Add the egg and gradually mix in water until a firm dough forms.
Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Make the Filling:
In a bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika.
Mix well until evenly combined.
Roll and Cut the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet (about 1/16-inch thick).
Cut into small squares (about 1-inch by 1-inch).
Fill and Shape the Manti:
Place a small amount (about 1/2 teaspoon) of filling in the center of each square.
Fold opposite corners together to form a sealed dumpling, pinching the edges firmly.
Repeat until all dumplings are made.
Cook the Manti:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Drop in the manti and cook for 8-10 minutes, until they float and are tender.
Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauces:
In a bowl, mix yogurt, minced garlic, and salt. Set aside.
In a small pan, melt butter and add red pepper flakes and paprika. Stir for 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
Serve:
Place cooked manti on a plate.
Spoon yogurt sauce over the dumplings.
Drizzle with spiced butter sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley or mint.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
Dough Thickness : Keep the dough thin for delicate dumplings.
Filling Variations : Use a mix of beef and lamb for extra flavor.
Spice Adjustments : Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
Baking Option : For a crispier version, bake manti at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes before serving with sauces.
Serving Suggestion : Enjoy with a side of sumac or pomegranate molasses for a tangy touch.
