Say hello to one of the most soul-satisfying, flavor-packed dishes you’ll ever taste: Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil, also known as manti. These little dumplings are like tiny flavor bombs—filled with savory meat, draped in creamy garlicky yogurt, and finished with a drizzle of smoky, paprika-spiced butter oil. It’s the kind of dish that’s comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to pull off with a few shortcuts.
Picture this: tender dumplings swimming in a cool, tangy yogurt sauce, topped with sizzling butter kissed by Aleppo pepper and dried mint. Sounds amazing, right? Trust me—this one’s a showstopper that brings the elegance of Turkish cuisine right into your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil
This recipe is all about comfort, flavor, and fun. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
Comfort Food with a Twist: Like ravioli meets Middle Eastern spice. Warm, creamy, and satisfying.
Flavor Explosion: You’ve got savory dumplings, tangy yogurt, and buttery spice drizzle—all hitting different notes in perfect harmony.
Impressively Simple: Looks fancy, tastes gourmet, but you can totally use store-bought shortcuts and still wow your guests.
Great for Sharing: This dish is made for gathering—serve it family-style and watch it disappear.
Customizable: Vegetarian? Swap the filling. No Aleppo pepper? Use paprika. This recipe welcomes your creativity.
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Ingredients in Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil
Each layer of this dish brings its own deliciousness—here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dumplings:
- Ground Beef or Lamb: The traditional filling—savory, juicy, and packed with flavor.
- Onion: Finely grated for sweetness and moisture in the filling.
- Salt & Pepper: Season generously—this is where the dumpling flavor begins.
- Wonton Wrappers: A time-saving shortcut to make this dish totally doable on a weeknight.
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- Plain Yogurt: Thick and creamy, this is your cool contrast to the warm dumplings.
- Garlic: Minced or grated, it gives the sauce a bold, punchy flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the yogurt’s tang.
For the Spiced Oil:
- Butter: The base of that gorgeous golden drizzle.
- Olive Oil: Helps keep the butter from burning and adds richness.
- Aleppo Pepper or Paprika: Brings smoky, mild heat and beautiful color.
- Dried Mint: A traditional touch that adds earthiness and aroma.
- Tomato Paste (optional): For added depth and color.
Instructions
Time to turn these simple ingredients into something magical.
Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix the ground meat, grated onion, salt, and pepper until well combined. Don’t overmix—just enough so everything is evenly distributed.
Fill the Dumplings
Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each wonton wrapper. Wet the edges with water and fold into triangles or little bundles, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the dumplings in batches and cook for about 4–5 minutes, or until they float and the filling is cooked through. Drain and set aside.
Make the Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Set aside. If your yogurt is very thick, you can thin it slightly with a spoonful of water.
Make the Spiced Oil
In a small pan, melt the butter with a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the Aleppo pepper, dried mint, and optional tomato paste. Let it sizzle for 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
Assemble the Dish
Arrange the dumplings on a serving platter. Spoon the garlicky yogurt over the top, then drizzle with the spiced oil. Finish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of sumac if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~400–500 (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
How to Serve Turkish Dumplings
This dish is already a star on its own, but here are a few ways to complete the meal:
With a Fresh Salad: Something crisp and citrusy, like a cucumber-tomato salad, balances the richness.
On a Mezze Platter: Pair with hummus, olives, and flatbread for an epic spread.
As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions as a starter before a bigger meal.
For a Cozy Dinner: Pile up a big bowl, curl up on the couch, and dig in—it’s comfort food perfection.
Additional Tips
Use Store-Bought Dumplings: In a pinch, use mini ravioli or store-bought manti from international markets.
Chill the Yogurt: Serve the yogurt sauce cool to contrast the warm dumplings—it’s a dreamy combo.
Make Ahead: Assemble the dumplings in advance and freeze them—just boil from frozen.
Adjust the Garlic: Want it mellow? Roast the garlic first. Love it bold? Use raw and fresh.
Double the Batch: This dish is freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can freeze them uncooked on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook straight from frozen.
Q2: Can I use Greek yogurt?
A2: Absolutely. Greek yogurt is thicker and richer—just thin it slightly with water if needed.
Q3: What if I don’t have Aleppo pepper?
A3: Use mild paprika or a mix of paprika and chili flakes for a similar effect.
Q4: Can I make this vegetarian?
A4: Yes! Use sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or mashed chickpeas in place of meat.
Q5: Do I have to boil the dumplings?
A5: Boiling is traditional, but you can also steam or pan-fry them if you prefer.
Q6: Can I make my own dumpling dough?
A6: Definitely! A simple flour-water dough works well, but using wonton wrappers saves time.
Q7: What herbs go best with this dish?
A7: Fresh mint, dill, or parsley are great options for garnishing.
Q8: Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt?
A8: Yes, though the flavor will be tangier. You can mix it with yogurt for balance.
Q9: How spicy is the spiced oil?
A9: It’s mild if using Aleppo pepper. You can increase the heat with chili flakes or cayenne.
Q10: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A10: Reheat dumplings gently in a steamer or microwave, and refresh the yogurt and oil just before serving.
Conclusion
Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil are one of those dishes that feels like a celebration—rich, layered, and full of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a dinner party or just because you deserve something special (you do!), this dish brings comfort and flair all at once. Give it a try—you’ll be dreaming about that garlicky yogurt and buttery drizzle long after the last dumpling disappears.
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Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Turkish dumplings, known as Manti, are small pasta pockets traditionally filled with spiced ground meat. They’re topped with a cool garlicky yogurt sauce and a warm, aromatic spiced butter or oil for a delicious, comforting dish.
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup water (more as needed)
- Filling:
- 1/2 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Garlicky Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Spiced Butter/Oil:
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried mint (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the egg and water, mixing until a firm dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix ground meat, grated onion, salt, pepper, and cumin (if using) in a bowl until well combined. Set aside.
- Roll and Fill Dumplings: Roll the rested dough into a thin sheet (about 1/16-inch thick). Cut into 1.5-inch squares. Place a small amount of filling (about 1/2 teaspoon) in the center of each square. Pinch the corners together to form a sealed dumpling.
- Cook the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add dumplings in batches and cook for 6–8 minutes or until they float and are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Make the Yogurt Sauce: Mix yogurt, garlic, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Make the Spiced Oil: In a small pan, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat. Add paprika, red pepper flakes, and mint (if using). Stir for 1–2 minutes, being careful not to burn the spices.
- Assemble: Plate the cooked dumplings, spoon the yogurt sauce generously over them, and drizzle with the hot spiced oil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use store-bought wonton wrappers for a shortcut.
- To freeze, place shaped but uncooked dumplings on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the boiling time.
- You can also bake or pan-fry the dumplings for a crispier variation.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 12–15 dumplings with sauce)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg