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### **How to Make Heavenly Turkish Manti**
#### **Step 1: Make the Dough**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and crack the egg into the well.
2. Gradually add water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough relax and become easier to roll out.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Filling**
1. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix everything together until well combined. You want the mixture to be flavorful but not too wet.
#### **Step 3: Roll Out the Dough**
1. After the dough has rested, divide it into small portions. Roll each portion out on a floured surface into a thin sheet, as thin as possible without tearing.
2. Cut the dough into small squares (about 1.5 inches per side) using a knife or pizza cutter.
#### **Step 4: Form the Manti**
1. Place a small spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each square.
2. Fold the dough into a triangle shape, sealing the edges tightly. Then, pinch the two corners of the triangle together to form a little dumpling. This step is key to ensuring the Manti holds together during cooking.
#### **Step 5: Boil the Manti**
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the prepared Manti into the boiling water, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
2. Cook the Manti for about 10-12 minutes, or until they float to the surface and the dough is tender.
3. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the Manti from the water.
#### **Step 6: Make the Yogurt and Butter Sauces**
1. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for a minute or until fragrant. Mix in the Greek yogurt and salt to taste, stirring until smooth.
2. For the butter sauce, melt the butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the paprika (and Aleppo pepper if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse the butter.
#### **Step 7: Serve the Manti**
1. Place the cooked Manti on a serving platter. Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the dumplings, followed by the melted butter sauce.
2. Optionally, sprinkle with a bit more paprika or Aleppo pepper for color and added flavor.
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### **Why You’ll Love Heavenly Turkish Manti**
– **Flavorful and Filling**: The ground meat is perfectly seasoned with cumin, paprika, and onions, creating a rich, savory filling that pairs beautifully with the tangy yogurt and spicy butter sauces.
– **Perfect for Sharing**: Manti is the ultimate comfort food to share with friends and family. The process of making it together can be a fun and memorable experience.
– **Versatile**: You can experiment with the filling to suit your taste, adding herbs or using different types of meat. The yogurt sauce can also be adjusted to be more garlicky or tangy depending on your preference.
– **Rich in Tradition**: Manti holds a special place in Turkish culture and history, and preparing this dish at home brings a taste of tradition to your table.
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### **Tips for Making the Best Manti**
– **Make the dough as thin as possible**: The thinner the dough, the lighter and more delicate your Manti will be. Just be sure not to tear it!
– **Don’t overfill the dumplings**: Too much filling can cause the dough to burst open during cooking. A small spoonful is just the right amount.
– **Serve immediately**: Manti is best enjoyed fresh and hot, so try to serve them right after you make them.
– **Batch cooking**: Manti can be frozen for later. To freeze, arrange the uncooked Manti on a baking sheet, freeze them, and then transfer them to a zip-lock bag. When you’re ready to eat, just drop the frozen Manti straight into boiling water!
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### **Conclusion**
Heavenly Turkish Manti is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings a little bit of Turkish tradition into your home. With its combination of flavorful fillings, rich sauces, and tender dough, it’s no wonder that Manti is so beloved. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this dish will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every bite of these irresistible dumplings—you’ll taste the love and tradition in every morsel!
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