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Comforting Armenian Manti Recipe with Creamy Yogurt Sauce Homemade

Armenian manti recipe - featured image

Armenian manti are small baked dumplings filled with spiced meat and served with a creamy yogurt sauce. This recipe offers a nostalgic, comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) warm water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef or lamb
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup (240g) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh dill or mint for garnish (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon paprika or sumac

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough (10 minutes + 30 minutes resting): In a large bowl, combine 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt. Crack in 1 large egg and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Slowly pour in ½ cup (120ml) warm water while mixing with your hand or a spoon until a rough dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Filling (10 minutes): While the dough rests, in a bowl, mix 1 pound (450g) ground beef or lamb with 1 finely grated small onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons chopped parsley if using. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  3. Roll Out the Dough (15 minutes): Divide the rested dough into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion out as thinly as you can—about 1/8 inch (3mm) thickness.
  4. Cut and Fill (15 minutes): Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 2-inch (5cm) squares. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each square. Fold the squares by pinching opposite corners together to form tiny boat-shaped dumplings.
  5. Arrange on Baking Sheet and Bake (35 minutes): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place manti on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Brush generously with melted butter. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and crispy on top.
  6. Prepare Yogurt Sauce (5 minutes): While manti bakes, mix 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt with 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and salt to taste. Stir well and set aside.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Once out of the oven, drizzle extra melted butter mixed with paprika or sumac over the manti. Serve hot with a generous dollop of creamy yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of fresh dill or mint if desired.

Notes

Keep the dough rested for easier rolling. Grate onion finely to keep filling moist. Use a teaspoon of filling per square to avoid tearing. Brush butter generously for crispy crust. Use warm water for dough activation. Can freeze uncooked manti on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bag. Reheat in oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Armenian manti, baked dumplings, yogurt sauce, comfort food, savory dumplings, traditional Armenian recipe