If you have never met Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe, then get ready for a flavor bomb that will quickly become your new favorite comfort food. These tiny parcels, known as manti, are stuffed with savory spiced meat and cooked to tender perfection. When paired with a lush, garlicky yogurt sauce and finished with a drizzle of vibrant, warming spiced oil, every bite is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that simply sings. This dish is a beautiful example of Turkish culinary tradition that’s surprisingly easy to make at home and utterly irresistible once you do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how such simple ingredients come together to create such a wow-worthy dish. Each element—from the basic flour for the delicate dumpling dough to the fragrant spices in the filling and spiced oil—works in harmony to give this dish its signature depth and character.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dumpling dough, providing structure and softness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the dough and filling flavors perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough for easy handling and tender texture.
- 1/4 cup water: Adjusts the dough’s consistency for pliability.
- 1/2 pound ground lamb or beef: Adds juicy, savory richness to the dumpling filling.
- 1 small onion (grated or finely minced): Brings sweetness and moisture into the meat mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Warms and deepens the filling’s flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Offers subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Adds mild smokiness and beautiful color.
- Salt to taste: Perfectly seasons each component.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Creates the creamy, tangy base for the garlicky sauce.
- 1 clove garlic (grated or minced): Infuses the yogurt sauce with pungent and fresh garlicky brightness.
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil: The carrier for the spiced oil, delivering richness and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides vibrant color and sweet-earthy notes to the oil.
- 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle, smoky heat without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried mint (optional): Delivers a herbal lift that balances the spices beautifully.
How to Make Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing your flour and salt in a large bowl, then create a little well in the center. Add the egg and water right into this well and begin mixing. Keep going until you form a stiff dough. This dough is the backbone of your dumplings, and kneading it for 5 to 7 minutes will give you that perfect elasticity you need. Then cover it and set it aside to rest for about 30 minutes—this makes rolling it out much easier later on.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While your dough rests, it’s time to prepare the delicious filling. Combine ground meat with grated onion, cumin, black pepper, paprika, and a little salt. Mix everything until every bite promises a burst of balanced savory goodness. The meat absorbs the spices nicely, making each dumpling packed with flavor.
Step 3: Shape the Dumplings
Divide the rested dough into two parts and roll each out thinly on a floured surface. Cut the dough into neat 1.5-inch squares—this is where your dumplings start to come alive! Spoon about half a teaspoon of filling onto each square, then pinch the corners together tightly to form little bundles. Keep them on a floured tray as you go so they don’t stick together.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop your dumplings in and cook them until they float and the dough is tender, usually about 6 to 8 minutes. This boiling method keeps them light and ensures the filling cooks through without toughness. Once done, drain them carefully so they don’t break.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauces
Combine Greek yogurt with grated garlic and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth. This garlicky yogurt base is creamy and refreshing, providing the perfect cool counterpoint to the warm dumplings. Next, melt butter or heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Stir in paprika, Aleppo pepper, and dried mint (if you like) and cook for just 30 seconds until the spices release their aroma. Remove from heat and get ready to finish the dish with this fragrant spiced oil.
Final Assembly of Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe
Now comes the fun part: serving. Spoon the warm dumplings onto plates, generously coat them with the garlicky yogurt, then drizzle with that glorious, fragrant spiced oil. You can add extra herbs or chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Each bite offers a wonderful texture contrast and exploding flavors that make this dish unforgettable.
How to Serve Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or mint add a lively finish and lovely color contrast. Toasted pine nuts or sumac sprinkle wonderfully on top, adding crunch and a tangy note that complements the richness of the yogurt and oil.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a simple cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with lemon juice, or a crisp green salad to balance the warmth and heartiness of the dumplings. A light, crusty bread can also help soak up extra sauce and make for a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the dumplings in shallow bowls so the garlic yogurt pools around them beautifully. You can create individual portions by spooning the garlicky yogurt into mini ramekins, serving dumplings separately, and letting guests dip away. Offering a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of pomegranate molasses over the top adds a creative, flavor-packed twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The dumplings soak up the sauces, deepening the flavors wonderfully the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked dumplings by arranging them in a single layer on a tray, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a sealed bag. This makes it easy to enjoy Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe anytime with minimal prep—just cook straight from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat gently by steaming or simmering in hot water until warmed through to preserve their delicate texture. Avoid microwaving as it can dry them out or make the dough tough.
FAQs
Can I make these dumplings vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground lamb or beef with finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or a mix of grated vegetables. Just be sure to season well so the filling is still flavorful and satisfying.
What is Aleppo pepper, and can I use something else?
Aleppo pepper is a mild, fruity chili native to the Middle East. If you can’t find it, red pepper flakes are a great alternative that will add heat and depth to the spiced oil.
How thin should I roll out the dough?
Roll it out as thin as you can manage without it tearing—about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick. Thin dough ensures the dumplings cook quickly and stay tender.
Can I prepare the dumplings in advance?
Yes! Preparing dumplings ahead saves time on the day you want to eat. Just freeze them or keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.
What kind of yogurt is best for the sauce?
Plain Greek yogurt is ideal because it’s thick and creamy, which balances the tartness and garlic beautifully. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, strain regular yogurt through cheesecloth to thicken it.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe at home. It’s a warm, nurturing dish that feels like a hug from the inside out. Beyond its incredible taste, the process of wrapping each little dumpling connects you to a centuries-old tradition that celebrates simple ingredients treated with love. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again — and share it with every friend who loves good food as much as you do.
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Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Halal
Description
Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil, also known as manti, are delightful bite-sized parcels filled with seasoned ground lamb or beef. Cooked until tender and served topped with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce and a fragrant, spiced oil drizzle, these dumplings offer a perfect balance of rich flavors and comforting textures, making for a satisfying main course inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine.
Ingredients
For the dumplings (manti):
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup water (more as needed)
- 1/2 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 small onion (grated or finely minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- salt to taste
For the yogurt sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic (grated or minced)
- salt to taste
For the spiced oil:
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon dried mint (optional)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Create a well in the center, add the egg and water, then mix until a stiff dough forms. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes to develop texture.
- Prepare the filling: While the dough rests, combine ground lamb or beef with grated onion, ground cumin, black pepper, paprika, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to blend all the spices with the meat evenly.
- Shape the dumplings: Divide the rested dough into two halves. Roll each half on a floured surface into a very thin sheet. Cut the sheets into 1.5-inch squares. Place about 1/2 teaspoon of the meat filling into the center of each square. Pinch the corners together carefully to seal and create small bundles. Arrange the formed dumplings on a floured tray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Cook them for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the pasta is tender. Carefully drain the dumplings without breaking them.
- Prepare the yogurt sauce: In a bowl, mix plain Greek yogurt with grated garlic and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine all flavors smoothly.
- Make the spiced oil: In a small pan over medium heat, melt butter or warm olive oil. Add paprika, Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes, and dried mint if using. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove from heat to preserve flavor.
- Serve: Arrange the warm dumplings on serving plates. Spoon the garlicky yogurt sauce generously over them, then drizzle with the hot spiced oil. Optionally, garnish with additional herbs or chili flakes to taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- You can freeze the uncooked dumplings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for future use. Cook them directly from frozen without thawing.
- To make a lighter or vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey or finely chopped mushrooms for the lamb or beef filling.
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes in the spiced oil.
- Ensure the dough is rolled thinly enough to allow proper cooking but thick enough to hold the filling securely.
