Turkish Manti Recipe

Turkish Manti is a traditional dish that consists of small dumplings filled with spiced meat, typically served with a garlic yogurt sauce and drizzled with melted butter infused with red pepper flakes. Here’s a recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)

For the Filling:

• 250 grams (about 9 oz) ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt to taste

For the Butter Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika or red pepper flakes (Aleppo pepper is a good choice)

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the egg and water.
• Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water; if too sticky, add a bit more flour.
• Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• In a bowl, mix the ground meat, grated onion, salt, pepper, and any optional spices. Set aside.

3. Roll and Cut the Dough:

• Divide the rested dough into two portions. Roll out one portion on a floured surface into a thin sheet, about 1/16 inch thick.
• Cut the dough into small squares, approximately 2 inches by 2 inches.

4. Fill the Dough:

• Place a small amount of filling (about 1/2 teaspoon) in the center of each square.
• Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle, and then pinch the edges together tightly to seal. Optionally, bring the two corners of the triangle together and pinch to form a boat shape.

5. Cook the Manti:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the manti and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the dough is tender. Drain the manti well.

6. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• In a bowl, mix the yogurt with minced garlic and salt. Set aside.

7. Make the Butter Sauce:

• In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the paprika or red pepper flakes, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the butter.

8. Serve:

• Place the cooked manti on a serving platter. Spoon the garlic yogurt sauce over the manti, and then drizzle with the spiced butter sauce.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or mint if desired, and serve hot.

Tips:

• Freezing Manti: You can make extra manti and freeze them uncooked. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Serving Ideas: Manti is often served with a side of sumac, which adds a tart flavor, or with a sprinkle of dried mint.

Enjoy your homemade Turkish Manti!