Description
Manti Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil is a traditional Turkish dish featuring tender dumplings filled with spiced ground lamb or beef, topped with a creamy garlicky yogurt sauce and finished with a warm, aromatic spiced butter or olive oil drizzle. This comforting appetizer captures the authentic flavors and textures of Turkey’s rich culinary heritage, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup water (approximate, as needed to knead dough)
Filling
- 250g ground lamb or beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garlicky Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt
Spiced Oil
- 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or mint leaves, chopped
- Sumac or dried mint for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and water in a mixing bowl. Knead until you achieve a smooth, elastic dough. Cover it and let it rest for about 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out thinly.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix the ground lamb or beef with finely chopped or grated onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and the mixture becomes slightly sticky to ensure juicy dumplings.
- Roll Out and Cut the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the rested dough into thin sheets approximately 1/8 inch thick. Cut into small squares roughly 2×2 inches, suitable for wrapping the filling.
- Fill and Fold the Dumplings: Place about a teaspoon of filling in the center of each dough square. Fold the corners together, pinching edges tightly to seal, forming small purses or traditional triangular shapes.
- Cook the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the dumplings in batches and cook until they float to the surface and are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain carefully, reserving some cooking water if needed.
- Prepare Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil: Mix plain yogurt with minced garlic and a pinch of salt to prepare the sauce. In a small pan, melt butter or heat olive oil over low heat. Add red pepper flakes and paprika, simmer gently until fragrant and vibrant, taking care not to burn the spices or fat.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange cooked dumplings on a serving plate. Generously spoon the garlicky yogurt sauce over them, then drizzle the warm spiced oil on top to finish.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and high-quality yogurt for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Resting the dough is crucial for easier rolling and preventing shrinkage.
- Keep dumplings small for perfect bite-sized portions balancing dough and filling.
- Do not overfill dumplings to avoid bursting during cooking.
- Infuse the spiced oil on low heat to release aromas without burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1 cup (about 10-12 dumplings with sauce)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg