Turkish Mantı Recipe

Delicious Turkish dumplings filled with seasoned ground meat and served with a garlicky yogurt sauce.

Mantı is a traditional Turkish dish that features small dumplings filled with seasoned ground meat. These dumplings are typically boiled and then served with a garlicky yogurt sauce, and sometimes garnished with a rich tomato butter or spiced oil. Mantı is a beloved comfort food in Turkey and often a special treat shared among family and friends during celebrations. The origins of mantı can be traced back to Central Asian cuisine, where various forms of dumplings are prevalent. It reflects the blending of cultures and flavors that have passed along the Silk Road. Making mantı is a labor of love, requiring careful preparation and attention to detail, but the results are immensely rewarding.

Ingredients

• For the dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water, plus more if needed
• 1 large egg
• For the filling:
• 250 grams ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• For the yogurt sauce:
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• For the tomato butter sauce:
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• To garnish:
• Dried mint
• Sumac

Nutrition

Calories: ~450 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg. Gradually add the water while mixing, until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the ground meat, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika until well combined.
4. Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough as thinly as possible. Cut it into small squares about 4 cm on each side.
5. Fill the Dough: Place a small amount of filling in the center of each dough square. Pinch the edges together to form a small packet, ensuring they are tightly sealed.
6. Cook the Mantı: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the mantı and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the dough is tender.
7. Make the Yogurt Sauce: While the mantı is cooking, mix the yogurt, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
8. Prepare the Tomato Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, stirring until aromatic and well combined.
9. Assemble the Dish: Drain the cooked mantı and place them on a serving platter. Spoon the yogurt sauce over the top, then drizzle with the tomato butter sauce. Garnish with dried mint and sumac.

Enjoy your delicious Turkish mantı with a sprinkling of dried mint and sumac on top for an authentic touch. To ensure your mantı sticks together while cooking, make sure the edges are sealed tightly. If you find that the dough is drying out while you work, keep it covered with a damp cloth. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a side of pickled vegetables to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. Enjoy!