Entree: Armenia – Armenian Highlands – Մանթի ➤ Manti (Small stuffed meat dumplings baked or boiled and served with garlicky yogurt and spiced butter)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 50 min

Cook 25 min

Total 1 hr 15 min

Ingredients

- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt for dough
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water, plus more as needed
- 1 lb (454 g) ground lamb or ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (approx. 5 oz (140 g))
- 1 tsp (6 g) salt for filling
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground cumin (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp (2 g) sweet paprika
- 1 tsp (2 g) dried mint or sumac for garnish
- Olive oil for brushing the baking tray

Instructions

1. In a bowl combine flour and 1/2 tsp salt; make a well, add egg and warm water, and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth, cover, and rest 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile make the filling: combine ground meat, chopped onion, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and cumin; mix until evenly combined.
3. Divide rested dough into two pieces. Roll one piece thin on a lightly floured surface to about 1/16 inch (2 mm) thickness. Cut into small squares about 1.5 inches (4 cm) per side.
4. Place a scant 1/2 tsp of filling in the center of each square. Fold corners to form small parcels or round mounds, pinching firmly so they hold shape.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet or shallow baking dish and arrange manti in a single layer, spacing slightly apart. Brush tops lightly with olive oil.
6. Bake until dumplings are golden and cooked through, about 20–25 minutes.
7. While manti bake, whisk yogurt with minced garlic and a pinch of salt; keep chilled. Melt butter in a small pan, stir in paprika and remove from heat.
8. To serve, arrange baked manti on a platter, spoon garlicky yogurt over them, and drizzle with hot paprika butter. Sprinkle dried mint or sumac and serve immediately.