Small, soft dumplings packed with a savory blend of ground meat and spices make the popular Turkish meal known as manti. These little dumplings are mostly compared to Chinese jiaozi or Italian tortellini, but they have a unique flavor and texture all of their own.
Manti is a dish with a special place in Turkish cuisine and is frequently served as the main course or as part of a wider spread at celebrations and special events.
Preparation of Manti:
The preparation of manti requires some time and effort, as the dough is rolled out and cut into small squares before being filled with the meat mixture. The filled dumplings are then boiled until tender and served with a delightful yogurt sauce, melted butter, and optional toppings such as red pepper flakes, sumac, and fresh parsley.
The combination of the soft, delicate dumplings with the tangy yogurt sauce and rich butter creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying.
| Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes |
| Rest time: 10 minutes | Serving: 5 |
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
For the filling:
- 300 grams ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried mint (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ground beef or lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set the filling mixture aside.
- Roll out the dough into a thin sheet on a floured surface. Cut the sheet into small squares, about 2-3 cm in size.
- Place a small amount of the filling mixture in the center of each square. Fold the square in half diagonally to form a triangle, then bring the two corners together to create a small hat-like shape. Press the edges to seal.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt to the boiling water and carefully drop the manti into the pot. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the manti float to the surface.
- While the manti are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add the plain yogurt and salt, stirring well to combine. Cook over low heat until warmed through.
- Once the manti are cooked, drain them from the water and transfer them to a serving dish.
- Pour the yogurt sauce over the manti, and drizzle the melted butter and tomato paste mixture on top. Sprinkle with dried mint if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy this delightful Turkish dish!
Tips:
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when making manti:
- Thin and Even Dough: Roll out the dough as thin as possible while still being manageable. A thin dough ensures that the manti will cook evenly and have a delicate texture. Use a rolling pin to achieve a uniform thickness.
- Proper Filling Amount: When filling the manti, be mindful not to overstuff them. Place a small amount of the meat mixture in the center of each square, leaving enough space to seal the edges without the filling bursting out during cooking.
- Seal the Edges Securely: To prevent the filling from leaking out while boiling, make sure to seal the edges of the manti properly. Press the edges firmly together and use a fork or your fingertips to create a tight seal.
- Keep the Work Surface and Dough Well-Floured: To prevent the dough from sticking to the work surface or each other, dust it with flour as needed. This will make it easier to roll out, cut, and shape the manti.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook the manti until they are tender but still have a slight bite. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Test one dumpling to check for doneness before removing them all from the boiling water.
- Serve with Flavorful Toppings: Enhance the flavor of manti by serving them with traditional toppings. A combination of tangy yogurt sauce, melted butter, and optional additions such as red pepper flakes, sumac, or finely chopped parsley adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- Enjoy the Social Aspect: Making manti can be a fun and communal activity. Involve family or friends in the preparation process, sharing stories and laughter as you shape the dumplings together. It’s a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. With time and experience, you’ll become more skilled at making manti. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and embrace the cultural significance of this beloved Turkish dish.