Introduction
Manti are traditional Turkish dumplings that are often referred to as "Turkish ravioli." These bite-sized dumplings are typically filled with a mixture of ground lamb or beef, onions, and spices, and then steamed or boiled. They are usually served with a drizzle of garlic yogurt and a rich tomato or butter sauce. Manti is a beloved dish in Turkish cuisine, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures, and is often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 300 g ground lamb or beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup tomato sauce or 2-3 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then add the egg and gradually mix in the water until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
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Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
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Roll Out the Dough:
- After resting, divide the dough into smaller portions. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to about 2 mm thick. Cut into small squares (about 4 cm each).
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Fill the Dumplings:
- Place a small teaspoon of filling in the center of each square. Fold the dough over to form a triangle, pinching the edges to seal tightly. Then, bring the two corners of the triangle together to form a small "boat" shape, pinching to secure.
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Cook the Manti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the dumplings and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until they float to the surface and are tender.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- While the manti are cooking, mix the yogurt with minced garlic in a bowl. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and add tomato sauce or melted butter until warm.
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Serve:
- Drain the manti and place them on a serving plate. Drizzle with yogurt sauce and tomato or butter sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Health Notes
- Manti can be high in calories and sodium due to the filling and sauce. To make them healthier, use lean meat, control the amount of salt, and serve with plenty of vegetables.
How to Enjoy
- Manti is best enjoyed warm, with the yogurt and sauce drizzled on top. They can be served as a main course or as part of a larger meal, accompanied by a side salad.
Tips
- Freezing Manti: Uncooked manti can be frozen for later use. Arrange them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Cook from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it's smooth. If too sticky, sprinkle with a bit more flour.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices in the filling, such as coriander or paprika, to customize the flavor to your liking.
