Manti: Recipe and Origins and Variations of Turkish Ravioli

Manti is a traditional Turkish dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. Similar to Italian ravioli, manti is a type of dumpling filled with seasoned ground meat and served with a garlic yogurt sauce and melted butter. While the preparation of manti may look a bit challenging, you may follow our easy Manti recipe and the end result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is well worth your effort.

History of Manti:

Manti is a traditional Turkish dish with a history that dates back to the 13th century. The dish is said to have originated in Central Asia and then spread to Turkey with the migration of the Turks. The earliest known mention of manti in Turkish cuisine dates back to the 13th century during the reign of the Seljuk Empire, which controlled a vast territory that included parts of present-day Iran, Iraq, and Turkey.

Manti has been a popular food in Turkey for centuries and has been prepared and enjoyed in various regions of the country. It has been an important part of the Ottoman cuisine, which was renowned for its rich variety of dishes. Manti was commonly served during special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings and religious festivals. It was also considered a food of the elite and was prepared with expensive ingredients.

Over time, manti has become a popular dish in many other countries in the region, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Iran, with each country adding its own unique touch to the recipe. The dish has also become popular in other parts of the world, including the United States and Europe, where it is often served in Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurants.

Today, manti remains a beloved dish in Turkish cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It continues to be prepared in homes and restaurants using traditional methods, and new variations of the dish are constantly being created. Manti has become a symbol of Turkish cuisine and is considered to be an important part of the country’s culinary heritage.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 cups of flour
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup of water
• Salt

Filling:

• 2 onions
• 400g ground meat (double ground)
• Salt and black pepper

Sauce:

• Yogurt with garlic
• Herbs (peppermint, red pepper flakes, sumac)
• Melted butter

Recipe of Manti:

1. Sift 2 cups of flour onto a clean work surface. Create a well in the center of the flour, and add the eggs, water, and salt. Use your fingertips to mix the liquid ingredients, then gradually incorporate the flour. Knead the dough thoroughly, adding more flour if necessary to create a firm and elastic dough. Divide the dough into medium-sized pieces, cover it with a damp cloth, and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
2. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Finely chop or grate the onions, and mix them with the ground meat, salt, and black pepper.
3. On a floured work surface, roll out each piece of dough to a thickness of 2mm, and cut it into 2cm x 2cm squares. Place a small amount of the meat mixture in the center of each square, then bring the opposite corners together to create a bundle shape. Place the manti in a wide flat pan, dust with flour, and let them rest for about half an hour.
4. To cook the manti, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the manti to the boiling water, and cook until they float to the surface and become tender.
5. To make the sauce, mix garlic with yogurt. Pour the yogurt over the cooked manti, then drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with herbs.
6. Serve the manti strained or in their cooking liquid, according to your preference.”

Variations on the Recipe of Manti

Manti is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit a range of tastes and dietary needs. Here are some variations on the classic recipe to try:

• Vegetarian manti: Instead of using meat for the filling, you can use a combination of sautéed vegetables, such as onions, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also add crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
• Lamb manti: For a richer and more flavorful filling, you can use ground lamb instead of beef or a combination of both.
• Spicy manti: If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or paprika to the filling. You can also top the finished manti with a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.

Variations of Manti:

Manti has many variations across different regions and countries. In Turkey, it is often served with garlic yoghurt sauce and melted butter, and sprinkled with red pepper flakes and dried mint. However, there are many different ways to serve and enjoy Manti.

One popular variation of Manti is to use different types of fillings, such as lamb or chicken. In some regions of Turkey, a vegetarian version of Manti is made with mashed potatoes and onion. In Azerbaijan, the dish is prepared with a combination of lamb and beef and is often served with a tomato-based sauce.

Another variation of Manti is the way it is served. In some regions of Turkey, Manti is served in a soup-like consistency known as “Aqueous Manti,” also known as Kayseri Manti. In this version, the Manti dumplings are served in a clear broth made from chicken or beef stock. Aqueous Manti is often topped with melted butter and red pepper flakes and is sometimes served with a side of garlic yogurt for dipping.

On the other hand, in some other regions, Manti is served with a thicker, strained yogurt sauce known as “strained yogurt.” This version is made by straining the yoghurt through a cheesecloth to remove any excess water, resulting in a thick and creamy consistency. Strained yogurt is often used in Turkish cuisine for sauces and dips, and is also a popular accompaniment to other dishes such as kebabs.

Another variation of Manti is the way it is cooked. In some regions of Turkey, Manti is fried and served crispy, known as “Kızarmış Manti” or Fried Manti. This preparation method gives the Manti dumplings a crunchy texture and a unique flavor.

To make Fried Manti, the cooked Manti is deep-fried in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. It is typically served with a side of garlic yoghurt or a tomato-based dipping sauce. Some recipes also call for the addition of mint or other herbs to the dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Overall, Manti is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer a traditional version with lamb filling and garlic yoghurt sauce, a modern variation with chicken and a spicy tomato sauce, the soup-like Aqueous Manti, or the crispy Fried Manti, there is a Manti recipe out there to suit every taste.

Health Benefits of Manti

Manti is a nutritious and filling dish that is rich in protein and fiber. Here are some of the health benefits of manti:

• Good source of protein: Manti is made with ground meat, which is a good source of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing muscles, and it can also help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• High in fiber: Manti dough is typically made with whole-grain flour, which is a good source of fiber. Fiber is important for digestion and can also help lower cholesterol levels.
• Low in fat: While manti is typically served with melted butter, the dish itself is relatively low in fat. By using lean meat and a moderate amount of butter, you can enjoy the flavor of manti without overloading it with fat.

In conclusion, manti is a delicious and unique dish that is well worth trying. By following these tips and experimenting with different variations, you can create a manti recipe that is tailored to your