Name: Homemade Turkish Manti (Dumplings) with Garlic Yogurt and Spiced Butter Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 2 cups flour; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup water; 1 tsp salt; 250g ground beef or lamb; 1 grated white onion; 1/3 cup minced parsley; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 4 minced garlic cloves; 1/2 lemon, juiced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup butter; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp paprika; Pinch of red pepper flakes

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Introduction

Homemade Manti are traditional Turkish dumplings filled with savory meat and served with a rich garlic yogurt sauce and spiced butter. This comforting dish is perfect for a weekend cooking project and delivers incredible flavors that are sure to impress.

A white plate with blue floral patterns holds a dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is a smooth thick white cream spread evenly across the plate, the middle layer consists of many folded, pale beige dumplings placed close together covering the cream, and the top layer has a drizzle of reddish-orange oil sauce scattered unevenly over the dumplings and cream. Small sprigs of fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a pop of color and freshness. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light coming from the side, showing warm shadows. A white cloth and a silver fork are partly visible next to the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Dough: 2 cups flour, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp salt
Filling: 250g ground beef or lamb, 1 grated white onion, 1/3 cup minced parsley, 1 tsp salt & pepper
Yogurt sauce: 1 cup Greek yogurt, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 lemon juiced, salt & pepper to taste
Spiced butter: 1/2 cup butter, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp paprika, pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: If you are not making your own dough, use wonton wrappers cut into 4 squares and skip all dough steps.
Step 2: Mix water, egg, and salt in a bowl. Gradually sift flour into the wet mixture, stirring with a spoon. Pour dough onto a clean surface and knead for 10–15 minutes until soft and smooth. If dry, wet your hands and continue kneading. Cover with a wet towel or cling film and rest for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the filling by combining ground meat, grated onion, minced parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll out one piece at a time very thin and cut into small squares using a knife or pizza cutter. Keep other sections covered to avoid drying out.
Step 5: Place a small amount of filling in the center of each square. Pinch the four corners together firmly to seal the dumplings and prevent them from opening during boiling. Repeat until all dough and filling are used.
Step 6: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add dumplings and cook for 8–10 minutes until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Step 7: Make the garlic yogurt sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. For the spiced butter, melt butter with tomato paste, paprika, and red pepper flakes over medium heat.
Step 8: Spread garlic yogurt sauce on a serving plate, arrange the cooked dumplings on top, and drizzle with the spiced butter. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a quicker version, use store-bought wonton wrappers instead of making dough from scratch.
Try adding a pinch of cumin or cinnamon to the meat filling for extra warmth and depth.
Serve with a sprinkle of sumac or fresh mint to enhance the flavors.
If you prefer a spicier butter, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili powder.

Storage

Store cooked manti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of water or in the microwave until warmed through. Dough and filling can be prepared ahead and kept separately for up to 24 hours before assembling.

How to Serve

A white plate with blue floral patterns holds a single layer of dumplings arranged close together, each dumpling pale beige with a soft, slightly wrinkled texture. The dumplings sit on a thick base of creamy white yogurt spread evenly across the plate. A bright orange-red sauce is drizzled over the dumplings and yogurt in an irregular pattern, adding vibrant color. Small green herb sprigs are scattered lightly on top, providing a fresh contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with natural light casting warm shadows. A gold fork and a white cloth napkin are partially visible near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze homemade manti?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked manti by placing them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen by boiling a few extra minutes until they float.

What meat works best for the filling?

Ground beef or lamb both work well for authentic flavor. Lamb offers a richer taste, while beef is milder. You can also use a mix of both if you prefer.