Description
Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil, known as manti, are small, delicate dumplings filled with a savory ground beef or lamb mixture. Served with a tangy garlic-infused yogurt sauce and drizzled with a fragrant spiced butter or olive oil, this dish is a flavorful and comforting main course inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dumplings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2–3 tablespoons water (as needed)
- 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion (grated or finely minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1–2 garlic cloves (minced)
- Salt to taste
For the Spiced Oil
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Aleppo or chili flakes)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mint (optional)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the egg and gradually mix in water until a smooth, slightly firm dough forms. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until elastic. Cover with a cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ground meat, grated or minced onion, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a flavorful filling.
- Assemble the dumplings: Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface to about 1/16-inch thickness. Cut the dough into small squares roughly 1.5 inches wide. Place a small spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each square, then pinch the corners together to seal the dumpling securely into little bundles. Repeat this process with all dough and filling.
- Cook the dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the dumplings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook them for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the meat inside is thoroughly cooked. Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings and set aside to drain.
- Make the yogurt sauce: In a bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Stir well to blend the flavors and set aside to allow the garlic aroma to infuse into the yogurt.
- Prepare the spiced oil: Melt the butter or heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the paprika, red pepper flakes, and dried mint if using. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute until fragrant, then remove from heat to prevent burning.
- To serve: Arrange the warm dumplings on serving plates. Spoon the garlicky yogurt sauce generously over the dumplings followed by a drizzle of the hot spiced oil. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley or dill for added freshness and color. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- These dumplings are traditionally called “manti” in Turkey.
- You can prepare and freeze uncooked dumplings; cook them straight from frozen by boiling for a slightly longer time.
- For richer flavor, use lamb instead of beef in the filling.
- Top the finished dish with toasted pine nuts for extra texture and richness.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
