Turkish Manti Recipe

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the egg. Gradually add the water while mixing, until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling

1. Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Roll Out and Fill the Dough

1. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Keep the portions covered with a towel to prevent drying out.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one portion of dough into a thin sheet, about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Cut the Dough: Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into small squares, about 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches.
4. Fill the Squares: Place a small amount of the filling (about 1/2 teaspoon) in the center of each square.
5. Shape the Manti: Fold each square into a triangle by bringing the opposite corners together, pinching the edges to seal. Then, bring the two outer corners together and pinch to form a little “hat” shape.

4. Cook the Manti

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Dumplings: Carefully add the manti to the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the manti float to the surface and the dough is tender.
3. Drain Manti: Use a slotted spoon to remove the manti from the water and transfer them to a serving dish.

5. Prepare the Sauces

1. Yogurt Sauce: In a bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, and salt. Mix well.
2. Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the paprika, red pepper flakes, and dried mint (if using). Stir and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

6. Assemble the Dish

1. Serve Manti: Place the cooked manti on a serving platter.
2. Add Yogurt Sauce: Spoon the yogurt sauce generously over the manti.
3. Drizzle Butter Sauce: Drizzle the spiced butter sauce over the yogurt sauce.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of sumac for a tangy finish.

Tips for Success

• Thin Dough: Roll the dough as thin as possible for delicate and tender dumplings.
• Sealing Dumplings: Make sure to seal the dumplings well to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
• Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the manti while boiling; overcooking can make them too soft.

Conclusion

Turkish Manti is a delightful dish that combines the hearty flavors of meat-filled dumplings with the refreshing taste of garlicky yogurt and the richness of spiced butter. While it may take some time to prepare, the result is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Enjoy the process of making this traditional dish, and savor every bite of the flavorful manti!