Turkish Manti Recipe: Delicious Dumplings Made Easy

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Turkish Manti is a savory dish made with tiny dumplings filled with lamb or beef, served with delicious sauces. This recipe promises to bring the authentic taste of Turkey to your kitchen with step-by-step instructions.

Imagine biting into pillowy dumplings bursting with flavor, topped with rich, garlicky yogurt sauce and a spicy pepper oil. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Turkish Manti recipe will surely impress everyone.

Get ready to make your new favorite meal. The combination of spices and textures will make this dish unforgettable.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

To prepare Turkish Manti, you need a few key ingredients.

For the Dough:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water

Possible Substitute: If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use bread flour.

For the Filling:

• 200 grams of ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Possible Substitute: You can use ground turkey instead of beef or lamb.

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Possible Substitute: Greek yogurt works well too.

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste

Possible Substitute: Tomato puree can replace tomato paste if needed.

Optional Garnishes:

• Dried mint
• Red pepper flakes

These ingredients can be swapped out based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
• Add eggs and water gradually, mixing to form a dough.
• Knead until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest.

2. Make the Filling:

• Combine ground lamb, chopped onions, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Mix well until the ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Roll and Cut the Dough:

• On a floured surface, roll the dough out as thin as you can.
• Cut the dough into small squares, about 1/2 inch in size.

4. Fill and Shape the Manti:

• Place a small amount of the filling in the center of each square.
• Fold the edges of the dough from the corners inward, meeting at the center.
• Pinch the edges to seal, forming a small pouch.

5. Cook the Manti:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Carefully drop in the manti and cook until they float, about 8-10 minutes.
• Drain and set aside.

6. Prepare Yogurt Sauce:

• Mix plain yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl.
• Set aside in the fridge until serving.

7. Prepare Spicy Butter Sauce:

• Melt butter and add olive oil in a pan.
• Stir in shata sauce, minced garlic, and chopped coriander.
• Cook for a few minutes until fragrant.

8. Serve:

• Place cooked manti on a serving dish.
• Drizzle with yogurt sauce and spicy butter sauce.
• Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

When making Turkish Manti, use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh lamb, onions, and herbs can make a huge difference.

For easier handling, divide the dough into smaller pieces. Roll each piece into a thin sheet before cutting it into squares. Use a pastry cutter or sharp knife for even pieces.

Keep the dough covered with a damp towel while you work to prevent it from drying out. This keeps it pliable and easier to shape. When folding the dumplings, press the edges well to ensure they stay sealed.

Cooking tip: Boil the dumplings in salted water until they float. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Be gentle to avoid breaking them.

Storing

Manti can be made ahead and stored for later use.

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  Refrigerate: Place uncooked Manti on a tray and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Cover with plastic wrap.

  
  
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  Freeze: Lay on a baking sheet without overlapping. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a ziplock bag. Cook from frozen or thaw in the fridge.

  
  

To reheat cooked Manti, gently warm in boiling water for a few minutes or microwave until heated through.

Keep yogurt sauce fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Feel free to experiment with different fillings and sauces to make your Manti unique!

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

There are many ways to make Turkish Manti unique.

For the filling, you can use ground beef or chicken instead of lamb. Add spices like paprika, cumin, or nutmeg to give the filling a different flavor.

Try making a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with mushrooms, spinach, or lentils. These options can be just as delicious and satisfying.

For the dough, some people like to add a touch of baking powder to make it a little fluffier. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought wonton wrappers as a substitute for homemade dough.

There are also various sauces you can try:

1. Traditional Yogurt Sauce: Mix yogurt, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
2. Spicy Tomato Sauce: Blend tomato paste, chili flakes, and olive oil.
3. Buttery Herb Sauce: Melt butter, and add parsley and dried mint.

Serve your manti with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables. You could also sprinkle pine nuts on top for added crunch.

For a fun twist, drizzle some pomegranate molasses over the manti. This adds a sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with the savory dumplings.

Be adventurous and experiment with different herbs and spices. Each variation can offer a new and exciting taste experience. Whether you choose lamb, beef, chicken, or a vegetarian filling, manti can be adapted to whatever you have on hand or whatever suits your personal taste.