If youโve never had Turkish manti before, get ready to fall in love. These tiny dumplings, filled with savory spiced meat, are like little pillows of flavor, draped in a garlicky yogurt sauce and topped with a rich, buttery red pepper drizzle. Every bite is a perfect balance of soft, crispy, tangy, and spicy. Making them from scratch is a labor of love, but trust meโone taste and youโll know it was worth every minute.
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Why Youโll Love Turkish Dumplings (Manti)
Authentic and Comforting: This is Turkish soul food at its finest. The flavors are deep, rich, and incredibly satisfying.
Impressive Yet Simple: While they look fancy, theyโre easier to make than you think! Plus, homemade dumplings always taste better.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The creamy yogurt sauce, spiced filling, and buttery drizzle work together for an unforgettable dish.
Fun to Make: Get the whole family involved in folding these tiny dumplingsโitโs a great way to turn cooking into a shared experience.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for a quick and delicious meal anytime.
Ingredients in Turkish Dumplings (Manti)
Dough: A simple mix of flour, eggs, water, and salt, kneaded until smooth and elastic.
Ground Meat: Traditionally, lamb or beef is used, seasoned with onion, salt, and pepper for deep flavor.
Onion: Finely grated onion blends into the meat, adding moisture and a touch of sweetness.
Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Thick, creamy yogurt mixed with fresh garlic for a cool and tangy contrast.
Butter-Paprika Drizzle: Melted butter infused with red pepper flakes or paprika for a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
Instructions
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add eggs and water gradually, kneading until you get a firm, elastic dough. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly blended.
Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into small portions and roll each one into a thin sheet. Cut into small squares about 1 inch in size.
Fill and Fold: Place a tiny bit of filling in the center of each square. Pinch the corners together to form a tiny dumpling. Repeat until all the dough is used.
Boil the Dumplings: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the manti and cook until they float to the top, about 5โ7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: In a bowl, mix yogurt with minced garlic and a pinch of salt.
Make the Butter Drizzle: Melt butter in a pan, add red pepper flakes or paprika, and cook until fragrant.
Assemble the Dish: Place the cooked dumplings on a plate, drizzle with the garlic yogurt sauce, then spoon the buttery pepper mixture on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or dried mint.
Serve and Enjoy: Dig in while itโs warm and savor every bite!
How to Serve Turkish Dumplings (Manti)
With a Side of Bread: A piece of crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last drop of sauce.
Topped with Extra Herbs: A sprinkle of dried mint or sumac enhances the dishโs flavors.
With a Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad with cucumbers and tomatoes balances the richness.
Extra Butter Sauce: If you love bold flavors, double up on the spiced butter drizzle!
Additional Tips
Make-Ahead Dough: The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Freeze for Later: Arrange the dumplings on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a bag for storage. Boil straight from frozen when ready to eat.
Customize the Filling: Try a mix of ground beef and lamb for even deeper flavor.
Spice it Up: Add Aleppo pepper or chili flakes for extra heat in the butter sauce.
Donโt Overfill: Use just a tiny bit of meat per dumpling to make folding easier and prevent them from bursting.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make manti without meat?
A1: Yes! Try a filling of mashed chickpeas, spiced potatoes, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Q2: Can I use store-bought dumpling wrappers?
A2: You can, but homemade dough has the best texture and flavor. If using store-bought, roll them thinner for a more authentic feel.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat by steaming or gently boiling.
Q4: Can I freeze cooked manti?
A4: Itโs best to freeze them uncooked. Boiled dumplings tend to get mushy when frozen and reheated.
Q5: Whatโs the best yogurt to use?
A5: Thick, full-fat Turkish or Greek yogurt works best for a rich, creamy sauce.
Q6: Can I pan-fry manti instead of boiling?
A6: Yes! Sear them in a pan with a little butter for crispy dumplings before adding the sauces.
Q7: Whatโs a good substitute for lamb?
A7: Ground beef or even turkey works well as an alternative.
Q8: How small should I cut the dough squares?
A8: About 1 inch for traditional mini manti, or larger if you want an easier folding process.
Q9: Can I make this dairy-free?
A9: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative and swap butter for olive oil in the drizzle.
Q10: How do I keep the dumplings from sticking together?
A10: Toss them lightly in oil after boiling, or space them out well on the plate.
Final Thoughts
Manti is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hugโcomforting, flavorful, and absolutely worth the effort. Whether youโre making it for a cozy dinner or impressing guests with authentic Turkish flavors, itโs guaranteed to be a favorite. So roll up your sleeves, get folding, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Turkish Dumplings (Manti)
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
- Yield: 36 dumplings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Turkish
Description
These Turkish Manti are savory, pasta-like dumplings filled with spiced beef, then topped with creamy yogurt sauce and a spicy chili drizzle. A traditional Turkish comfort food, perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 400g 00 pasta flour
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp kosher salt
Meat Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp oregano leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Yogurt Dressing:
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Chili Dressing:
- 4 tbsp olive oil (See Note 1)
- 2 tbsp red pepper paste (See Note 1)
- 2 tsp dried mint
Instructions
- In a bowl, add flour and make a well in the center. Beat eggs and add them to the well with salt. Using a fork, whisk from the center outward until dough forms. Knead by hand until smooth, then cover with a tea towel and rest for 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix filling ingredients by hand. Cover and set aside.
- Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper. Mix yogurt dressing ingredients and refrigerate. Mix olive oil and red pepper paste for the chili dressing and set aside.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to โ -inch thickness (or use a pasta machine). Cut into 2-inch squares.
- Place 2 teaspoons of meat filling in the center of each square. Pinch opposite corners together to form a star shape. Transfer to baking trays and let dry.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add dumplings and cook for 4 minutes or until they float to the surface.
- Drain and serve immediately with yogurt sauce, chili dressing, and a sprinkle of dried mint.
Notes
- Note 1: Turkish red pepper paste (Biber Salรงasฤฑ) can be found in Mediterranean grocery stores. Substitute with harissa or tomato paste mixed with chili flakes.
- Serving Suggestion: Best enjoyed with a side of Turkish bread or a simple salad.
- Make Ahead: You can freeze Manti before cooking for easy meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 dumplings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg