Turkish Dumplings

Discover the delightful world of Turkish Manti, a delicious dumpling filled with savory meat and topped with creamy yogurt and spiced butter. This recipe not only showcases the rich flavors of Turkey but also embodies the spirit of togetherness as families gather to prepare these heartwarming treats. With a simple yet rewarding process, you'll learn to create tender dough, a flavorful filling, and the perfect sauces to elevate your dining experience. Enjoy the taste of tradition with every bite!

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Ingredients

For the dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 large egg

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

1 pound ground lamb or beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the yogurt sauce:

1 cup plain yogurt

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)

Fresh mint or parsley for garnish (optional)

For the spiced butter:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Make the Dough:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the egg and water.

- Mix the ingredients until they come together and form a dough.

- Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions in a bit of oil until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, sautéed onions and garlic, black pepper, paprika, cumin, salt, and parsley. Mix until evenly combined.

Roll Out the Dough:

- Divide the rested dough into four equal parts. Roll each portion out into a thin sheet (about 1/8 inch thick) on a floured surface.

- Cut the sheets into 2-inch squares.

Fill the Dumplings:

- Place about a teaspoon of filling in the center of each square. Carefully fold the edges up and pinch to seal the dumplings tightly in a crescent shape or create pleats for a classic look. Make sure there are no air pockets.

Cook the Manti:

- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until they float to the surface and are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water.

Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:

- In a bowl, mix the yogurt with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Make the Spiced Butter:

- In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add paprika and red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant.

Assemble and Serve:

- Place the cooked manti on serving plates. Drizzle with yogurt sauce and spiced butter. Garnish with fresh mint or parsley. Enjoy!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 1 hour 20 minutes | 1 hour 20 minutes | 4 servings