Recipe of Turkish Dumplings

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Start by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and water. Knead the mixture until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. 2

   While the dough is resting, make the filling. In another bowl, mix the ground beef or lamb with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Set the filling aside.

3. 3

   Roll out the dough into a thin sheet on a floured surface. Cut the sheet into small squares, about 1-inch by 1-inch.

4. 4

   Place a small amount of the filling in the center of each square. Fold the squares in half, forming triangles, and pinch the edges to seal the dumplings.

5. 5

   In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the dumplings for about 10-15 minutes, or until they float to the surface.

6. 6

   In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the tomato paste with red pepper flakes for a few minutes until fragrant.

7. 7

   In a serving dish, spread the plain yogurt. Arrange the cooked mantı on top.

8. 8

   Pour the tomato paste mixture over the dumplings and yogurt.

9. 9

   In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Drizzle the melted butter over the dish.

10. 10

    Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.

11. 11

    Serve your homemade mantı while it's still warm, and enjoy this classic Turkish dish!