Authentic Manti (Turkish Dumplings)
Delicate Turkish dumplings filled with spiced ground meat, served with garlic yogurt and paprika butter. A labor of love perfect for special occasions.
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Large pot for boiling
- Mixing bowls
- Baking tray (for drying dumplings)
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 200 g ground lamb or beef
- 1 small onion finely grated
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt Greek or Turkish yogurt preferred
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- For the Paprika Butter:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Sumac or chili flakes optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, egg, water, and salt. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix ground meat, grated onion, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the Manti:
- Roll out the dough thinly on a floured surface. Cut into small squares (about 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm).
- Place a small amount of filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners to the center, pinching to seal.
- Cook the Manti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dumplings and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix yogurt, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Make the Paprika Butter:
- Melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in paprika and remove from heat.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Arrange the cooked Manti on a serving plate. Drizzle with yogurt sauce and paprika butter. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of sumac or chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can freeze uncooked Manti on a baking tray and store them in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the boiling time.
- Substitutions: Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter filling. Substitute olive oil for butter if preferred.