← BlogJune 29, 2026

How to Make the Perfect Manti

Turkish · Easy · 50 min · 4 servings

gluten-containingdairy-containing
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Manti

Manti are adorable tiny Turkish dumplings filled with meat and served with garlicky yogurt that kids find absolutely delightful. This kid friendly recipe is a fun hands-on cooking project the whole family can enjoy making together.

Why this recipe works

This Manti recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 26g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.

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What you will need

This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 250 g ground beef
  • 1 piece small onion grated
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp butter melted

Step by step instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough and Filling

Combine flour salt and enough water to make a firm dough then knead for 5 minutes and rest for 15 minutes. Meanwhile mix ground beef with grated onion and salt until combined.

Step 2: Shape the Dumplings

Roll dough very thin and cut into small squares about 3cm then place a tiny amount of meat filling in the center of each square and pinch the corners together to seal into a small package.

Step 3: Cook the Manti

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the dumplings in batches for 12 to 15 minutes until they float to the surface and are cooked through.

Step 4: Assemble with Sauce

Mix yogurt with minced garlic and spread on a serving plate then place drained manti on top and drizzle with melted butter that has been browned lightly in a pan.

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Easy substitutions

Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:

  • ground beef → ground chicken for a lighter dumpling filling
  • plain yogurt → Greek yogurt for a thicker creamier sauce

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:

  • Making the dough too thick which causes chewy undercooked dumplings
  • Overfilling each dumpling which causes them to burst open during cooking

Nutrition facts

Per serving: 420 calories, 26g protein, 46g carbs, 16g fat, 2g fiber.

Ready to cook?

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