Traditional Turkish meat dumplings made easy using a honeycomb mold. Served with garlic yogurt and a spicy mint-butter sauce.
Servings 4people
Course Main Course
Cuisine Turkish
Ingredients
For the Dough
1largeEgg
½cupLukewarm water
2cupsAll-purpose flour (add gradually; the dough must be firm)
1tspKosher salt
For the Meat Filling
½lbLean ground beef
1tspSalt
1.5tspGround black pepper
For the Toppings
1.5cupsPlain Turkish yogurt
2clovesGarlic (minced)
2tbspUnsalted butter
1tspDried mint
1tspRed pepper flakes or paprika
Equipment
Honeycomb Mantı Mold (Apparatus): The key to the "practical" method.
Rolling Pin (Merdane): For sealing and cutting the dough over the mold.
Large Mixing Bowl: For kneading the firm dough.
Slotted Spoon: For carefully removing the cooked mantı from the boiling water.
Method
In a bowl, whisk the egg, water, and salt. Slowly add the flour, kneading until you have a smooth, quite firm dough.
Divide the dough into 4 equal balls (bezeler). Cover them with a damp cloth and let them rest for 20 minutes.
Dust your mantı mold (aparat) generously with flour. This is critical to ensure the dumplings drop out easily.
Roll out one dough ball into a thin circle slightly larger than your mold. Place this sheet over the floured mold.
Place a small pea-sized amount of the seasoned ground meat into each honeycomb pocket of the mold.
Roll out a second dough ball and place it over the meat-filled first layer.
Run a rolling pin over the top layer, pressing firmly until the honeycomb pattern of the mold cuts through both layers of dough.
Flip the mold over to release the dumplings. Drop them into a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook for 7–10 minutes until they float to the surface.
Drain the mantı and place them on a plate. Top with garlic yogurt and a drizzle of butter that has been sizzled with mint and red pepper flakes.
For the best texture, ensure your dough is quite firm; this prevents it from sticking to the mold and helps the Mantı keep its shape while boiling. Don't be shy with the black pepper in the filling—it's the secret to that authentic, savory kick!