Imagine a dish that delivers soft dumplings, creamy garlic yogurt, and a vibrant spiced oil all in one bite—that’s just what you’ll find with Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil. This classic recipe, also known as manti, is pure comfort food, inviting you to gather around the table and savor each delicious, flavor-packed spoonful. It’s a joyful celebration of texture and tradition, and what I love most is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create a meal that’s as show-stopping as it is satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil has its own special role, bringing depth and harmony to the final dish. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters so much.
- All-purpose flour: This is the sturdy foundation for our dumpling wrappers, providing just the right chew.
- Salt: A little salt sharpens the dough and the filling, so every bite sings with flavor.
- Water: Helps bring the dough together and ensures it’s smooth and pliable.
- Egg: Adds richness and binds the dumpling dough, keeping it tender but resilient during boiling.
- Ground beef or lamb: The star of the filling! Choose your favorite or mix both for added complexity.
- Small onion: Provides moisture and gentle sweetness to the meat filling.
- Ground black pepper: Lends subtle spice and warmth.
- Ground cumin: Brings an earthy, nutty aroma that’s classic in Turkish savory dishes.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Thick, tangy, and creamy—the perfect contrast to the dumplings.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic makes that yogurt sauce unforgettable.
- Butter: Adds richness and carries all those vibrant spices straight to your palate.
- Olive oil: Lightens the butter in the sauce and brings luscious texture.
- Paprika: Gives the spiced oil its brilliant color and a sweet smokiness.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch infuses the oil with mild heat—Aleppo pepper is especially wonderful here.
- Sumac (optional): For a bright, tangy pop that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh mint or parsley: Adds aromatic freshness and gorgeous color right at the end.
How to Make Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil
Step 1: Make the Dumpling Dough
Start by whisking your flour and salt together in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle and crack in your egg, pouring in the water as well. Mix it all together with your hands or a sturdy spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes—don’t rush this step, the dough should transform from rough and sticky to soft, smooth, and elastic. Cover it and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten. This rest time is essential for easy rolling later!
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough kicks back, stir together the ground meat, finely grated onion, black pepper, and cumin in a small bowl. Mix gently until fully combined, but do not overwork—just a quick toss ensures your filling cooks up juicy, not tough. This aromatic filling will have your kitchen smelling incredible even before it hits the hot water.
Step 3: Shape the Dumplings
After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured counter until it’s very thin—almost translucent but not tearing. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares with a knife or pastry cutter. Place a small—really, just about a scant teaspoon—portion of filling in the center of each square. Fold each square into a triangle or gather the edges and pinch them together in a little bundle, making sure each one is tightly sealed so none of that precious filling escapes during cooking.
Step 4: Boil the Dumplings
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the dumplings in batches, making sure not to crowd them. They’ll sink at first, then float to the top once cooked—this usually takes 6 to 8 minutes. The dough should be tender with a bit of bite, and the filling thoroughly cooked. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the dumplings to a platter or individual plates.
Step 5: Make the Garlicky Yogurt Sauce
While the dumplings cook, stir together plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes to mellow the garlic—this swirl of tangy, creamy yogurt is pure magic against the savory dumplings and spicy oil.
Step 6: Prepare the Spiced Oil
In a small saucepan, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle in the paprika, red pepper flakes, and sumac if you’re using it. Let the spices bloom for 30 seconds or so, just until fragrant and vivid—it’ll smell heavenly! This vividly colored, aromatic oil is the finishing flourish for your Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
To bring everything together, spoon the yogurt sauce generously over the hot dumplings, then drizzle that beautiful spiced oil right on top. Finish with a shower of chopped fresh mint or parsley for brightness and color. Gather everyone around and serve immediately—these are best enjoyed piping hot.
How to Serve Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil
Garnishes
The crowning touch for Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil is a generous handful of freshly chopped mint or parsley. Both bring a vivid, herbal sparkle to each bite, and if you’re feeling decadent, a final dusting of sumac adds fruity tartness that takes the whole dish to another level.
Side Dishes
Keep the rest of your meal simple: a crisp salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion dressed with lemon and olive oil pairs beautifully. For contrast and balance, serve some warm, fluffy Turkish bread on the side to mop up the garlicky yogurt and spiced oil. A cool glass of ayran (Turkish yogurt drink) or minty lemonade will round it out perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try arranging the dumplings in individual serving bowls with yogurt and spiced oil poured over each. If you’re hosting friends, set up a DIY manti bar: let everyone top their dumplings with their favorite garnishes and extra chili flakes for a personalized feast. Tiny appetizer portions also make for a stunning party starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil keep surprisingly well. Store any extra dumplings (without sauce) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the yogurt sauce and spiced oil separate to preserve their freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze unboiled dumplings for a super speedy meal later! Arrange uncooked dumplings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and cook straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the boiling time.
Reheating
To reheat cooked dumplings, steam or microwave them gently until heated through, taking care not to dry them out. Rewarm the spiced oil and give your yogurt sauce a good stir before spooning over the dumplings—almost as good as freshly made!
FAQs
Can I make these dumplings vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version of Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil, swap out the meat filling for mashed chickpeas or finely sautéed mushrooms seasoned with onion, pepper, and a hint of cumin. They’ll be every bit as delicious and satisfying.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
No Greek yogurt? No problem. Any thick, plain yogurt will do the trick. If your yogurt is on the runny side, try draining it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth for an hour or so to thicken it up before mixing in the garlic.
How do I keep the dumplings from opening during boiling?
Be sure to press the edges of each dumpling firmly to seal, pinching out any air pockets. You can even use a tiny dab of water to help the edges adhere. Don’t overcrowd the pot as you boil—a little elbow room helps keep them intact.
Can I add other spices to the meat filling?
Certainly! The classic blend is black pepper and cumin, but you can add a pinch of sumac, smoked paprika, or a bit of finely chopped parsley or fresh mint right into the filling for an extra layer of flavor that still stays true to the spirit of Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil.
What makes Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil different from other dumplings?
The combination of garlic yogurt and spicy, red-hued oil sets this dish apart. Unlike many dumplings, the punchy cold yogurt and warm oil make every bite exciting and layered, all while letting the tender dumplings soak up the bold sauces beneath.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering loved ones and surprising them with Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil. The care in making each little parcel, the excitement of that first burst of flavor—this is food meant to be shared, savored, and remembered. Give it a try and let it bring some new joy and tradition to your table!
Print
Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines savory dumplings, creamy yogurt sauce, and a fragrant spiced oil. Perfect for a special dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt to taste
Spiced Oil:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Aleppo pepper or chili flakes)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sumac (optional)
- Chopped fresh mint or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Dumplings: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, add the egg and water, and mix until a firm dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth, then cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Meat Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the ground meat, grated onion, black pepper, and cumin.
- Assembly: Roll out the dough thinly on a floured surface and cut into 2-inch squares. Place a small amount of filling in the center of each square, fold into a triangle or pinch into a small dumpling, and press edges to seal.
- Cooking: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook dumplings in batches for about 6–8 minutes, or until they float and the dough is tender.
- Yogurt Sauce: Meanwhile, combine yogurt, garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl and set aside.
- Spiced Oil: In a small saucepan, heat butter and olive oil until melted, then stir in paprika, red pepper flakes, and sumac if using. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Serving: Drain the dumplings and transfer to serving plates. Spoon garlicky yogurt over dumplings, drizzle with the spiced oil, and garnish with fresh mint or parsley.
Notes
- You can prepare the dumplings in advance and freeze them before boiling.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat filling with mashed chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms.
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