How to Make the Perfect Manti
Turkish · Hard · 80 min · 4 servings
Manti are tiny Turkish dumplings filled with seasoned ground lamb, boiled until tender, and served with a garlicky yogurt sauce and a drizzle of spiced browned butter. They require patience to fold but the result is an extraordinarily satisfying and deeply flavored dish.
Why this recipe works
This Manti recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 80 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 540 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 250 g ground lamb
- 1 medium white onion finely grated
- 300 g full-fat plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp butter
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough and Filling
Mix flour with a pinch of salt and enough water to form a stiff dough. Knead for 8 minutes, then rest covered for 30 minutes. Meanwhile combine ground lamb, grated onion, salt, and pepper for the filling.
Step 2: Roll and Fill the Dumplings
Roll dough very thin and cut into small 3cm squares. Place a tiny amount of filling in the center of each square and pinch the four corners together firmly to seal into a small parcel shape.
Step 3: Boil the Manti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook manti in batches for 10 to 12 minutes until the dough is tender and the filling is cooked through. Drain and divide among bowls.
Step 4: Prepare Sauces and Serve
Whisk yogurt with minced garlic and salt, then spoon generously over the manti. Melt butter in a small pan with a pinch of paprika and red pepper flakes until golden, then drizzle over the top.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground lamb → ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork
- homemade dough → wonton wrappers for a much quicker version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Making the filling too wet which causes the dumplings to burst during boiling
- Overfilling each dumpling which prevents proper sealing and leads to opening
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 540 calories, 28g protein, 48g carbs, 26g fat, 2g fiber.
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