How to Make the Perfect Manti
Turkish · Easy · 50 min · 4 servings

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.
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.
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.
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