Mantı (Turkish Dumplings with Yogurt)

Mantı is Turkey’s most loved dumpling, and the city of Kayseri claims the crown. Tiny squares of dough are filled with seasoned ground beef, pinched into little parcels, and boiled until tender, then dressed with garlic yogurt and sizzling butter tinted with paprika. Legend has it that a good daughter-in-law should be able to fit forty mantı on a single spoon. The dough is simple, but the folding is a labor of love shared by generations at family tables and at every celebration worth attending.

Little parcels, big flavor

Each dumpling is small enough to eat in one bite, with a sturdy noodle texture that gives way to savory, oniony beef. The cool garlic yogurt and hot spiced butter make a perfect contrast, and a dusting of dried mint and sumac finishes the plate. Wrapping them takes time, so put on music, pour a tea, and enjoy the ritual — or freeze half for a busy night. A good mantı is judged by how small and neat the parcels are.

Craving more? Explore all Turkish Kitchen recipes.

Stocking a Middle Eastern pantry? Our guide to 20 essential Middle Eastern pantry ingredients covers everything this dish uses.

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