Turkish Manti

History:

Manti is a traditional Turkish dish with a history dating back hundreds of years. It's often considered a type of dumpling, consisting of small parcels of dough filled with flavorful minced meat and served with yogurt and a garlic-infused tomato sauce. Manti has been a beloved dish in Turkey for generations, and it's also popular in several other countries in the region, each with its own unique twist on the recipe.

Ingredients: For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup water

For the Filling:

• 250g ground Mutton or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Yogurt:

• 1 cup thick Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

For Assembly:

• Butter (optional)
• Dried mint flakes (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
• Gradually add water and knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
  
  
  

2. Make the Filling:

• In a separate bowl, mix the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure the filling is well combined.

3. Roll and Cut the Dough:

• Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it's very thin.
• Cut the dough into small squares, about 2x2 inches in size.

4. Fill the Dough Squares:

• Place a small amount of the meat filling in the center of each dough square.
• Fold the dough over the filling to create a triangle, sealing the edges tightly.

5. Cook the Manti:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Carefully add the manti to the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
• Remove the cooked manti from the water using a slotted spoon and set them aside.

6. Make the Tomato Sauce:

• In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
• Add tomato paste, paprika, red pepper flakes, and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Simmer the sauce until it thickens, stirring occasionally.

7. Prepare the Yogurt:

• In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and salt. Mix well until smooth.

8. Serve the Manti:

• Place the cooked manti on a plate.
• Spoon the garlic yogurt over them.
• Drizzle the tomato sauce on top.
• Optionally, melt butter in a small pan until it turns golden brown, then pour it over the manti for added flavor.
• Garnish with dried mint flakes.

Manti is a delightful dish that combines the comfort of dumplings with the bold flavors of Turkish cuisine. It's often enjoyed as a communal meal, bringing friends and family together to savor its delicious taste.