This manti recipe for dumplings takes time to prepare, but I'm sure you'll agree it is worth it. Manti is a popular meal in my country. Afiyet olsun (bon appétit)!
Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon water, or as needed
Filling:
2 onions, peeled
½ pound ground beef
salt and pepper to taste
Red Pepper Oil:
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
Yogurt Sauce:
1 (8 ounce) container plain yogurt
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Make dough: Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add eggs and water, mixing well with your hands. Add more water, if needed, to form a soft dough. Cover and set aside for at least 30 minutes.
Make filling: Shred onions and place them in a colander or sieve set over a bowl; drain and discard juice. Combine drained onion, ground beef, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; mix well with a spoon until mashed. Set filling aside.
Lightly flour a work surface and a large plate.
Divide dough in half. Working with one piece at a time, roll dough on the floured surface into a rectangle as thin as possible. Cut into 2-inch squares using a knife or pastry wheel.
Place about 2 teaspoons filling in the center of each square. Gather the edges of dough and pinch them together at the top to form a bundle. Transfer manti to the prepared plate; sprinkle more flour on top to prevent sticking.
Make oil: Heat oil and red pepper flakes in a small skillet over low heat just until pepper flakes begin to color oil. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Make sauce: Stir together yogurt and garlic in a small bowl; set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook manti in boiling water until filling is no longer pink and dough is tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain well.
Divide manti onto 4 plates. Spoon yogurt sauce over manti and drizzle with pepper oil.