Get Acquainted with the Historical Story of Manti in Different Cultures + Fried Turkish Manti Recipe
Manti is a delicious secret that comes from the depths of history
Manti is a delicate and delicious dough filled with a delectable combination of meat, vegetables, or cheese.
This attractive and flavorful dish has long graced the tables of people from different lands. The origin of this delicious food can be traced back to Central Asia and countries such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and China. Manti is so old that some sources date it back to ancient times and the Mongol Empire. Below, you will discover the secret to the deliciousness of this historical dish and how to make it.
History of Manti
Manti dates back to Central Asia’s Mongol Empire and ancient times. The name of this delicious dish comes from the Chinese word “mantou” which means “steamed bread.” Throughout history, it has also been known by various names:
In Azerbaijan: Dushbara
In Georgia: Khinkali
In Italy: Ravioli
In Russia: Pelmeni
In Afghanistan: Manto
In China: Wonton
Manti is not only a delicious dish but also has cultural significance. It is considered an essential and symbolic food at festivals, special occasions, and various ceremonies.
Manti in Different Cultures
This delicious food is prepared with unique finesse and creativity in each region as if each chef hides a secret ingredient within the dough. Turkish manti is made with a combination of meat and onion, while Azerbaijani and Armenian mantı are made with meat and vegetables.
In China, “jiaozi” and in Japan, “gyoza” are made with pork, Chinese cabbage, and chives. In Germany, mantı is filled with ground meat, sausage, and spinach. However, in Italy, where the dish is known as ravioli, fillings such as cheese, meat, vegetables, or even seafood are used.
In Russia, “pelmeni” is made by filling the dough with ground meat, onions, and spices and then boiling it in water. In Greece, the dish is called “manitaria” and the dough is filled with cheese, spinach, and onions. “Momos” is an Indian version of mantı that is filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables and steamed or fried. In Poland, the dough is filled with meat, cheese, potatoes, or vegetables. The sauce used in this dish is special and different in each country.
The sauce used in this dish is special and different in each country
Turkish Manti with Delicious Turkish Sauce
This delicious and popular dish is actually a type of dough filled with various ingredients that is cooked with unique finesse and creativity in many cultures. Turkish manti, also known as “mantı”, is one of the most popular varieties of this dish with its unique taste and flavor that has fans all over the world.
Ingredients for the Dough:
Flour: 3 cups
Eggs: 2
Water: 1/2 cup
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Ingredients for the Filling:
Ground meat: 350 grams
Onion: 1 small
Chopped parsley: 4 tablespoons
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black pepper: To taste
Ingredients for the Yogurt Sauce:
Greek yogurt: 2 cups
Garlic: 3 cloves
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Dried dill: 1 tablespoon
Ingredients for the Tomato Sauce:
Tomato paste: 450 grams
Olive oil: 4 tablespoons
Water: 1 cup
Red pepper flakes: 2 teaspoons
Instructions for Making the Dough:
Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
Beat eggs in a separate bowl and then add to the flour.
Gradually add water and mix with a spoon until the dough starts to form.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Instructions for Making the Filling:
Mix ground meat, grated onion, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until well combined.
Instructions for Making Manti:
Divide the dough into several parts and roll out each part separately.
Using a teaspoon, place some of the filling in the middle of the dough.
Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the manti.
Place the prepared manti on a tray that has been sprinkled with flour.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add some salt.
Boil the manti for 5-7 minutes until they are soft.
Drain the cooked manti in a colander.
Instructions for Making the Yogurt Sauce:
Mix Greek yogurt, grated garlic, salt, and dried dill in a bowl until smooth.
Instructions for Making the Tomato Sauce:
Mix tomato paste, olive oil, water, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
Place the saucepan over low heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serving Tips:
Place the cooked manti in a serving dish.
Pour the yogurt sauce and tomato sauce separately over the manti.
You can also garnish the manti with mint and sumac.
Tips:
For a better flavor, you can use a mixture of ground beef and lamb.
How to Make Delicious Fried Manti:
In this method, the manti are first boiled in water and then fried in oil until they are crispy and delicious. This cooking method has a stronger and more satisfying flavor.
If you want to make fried manti, you can add the following steps to the recipe above:
After boiling the manti in water, drain them in a colander.
Pour some oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat.
Add the manti to the skillet and fry for 5-7 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
Serve the fried manti with yogurt sauce and tomato sauce.
Tips:
Use hot oil to fry the manti so that they become crispy.
Be careful not to overcook the manti, as they will become hard and dry.
You can use your favorite sauces to serve fried manti.
The Secret to Delicious Manti:
The secret to delicious manti lies in the delicacy and precision of its preparation. From the thin and soft dough to the flavorful filling and the delicious sauces, every detail plays a role in creating the unique taste of this dish.
The dough should be thin enough to cook easily and to transfer the flavor of the filling well. The filling should also be carefully selected and combined to have a balanced taste. Sauces also play an important role in completing the flavor of manti and can add variety and excitement to the dish.
In addition, proper cooking is also of great importance. Boiled manti should be cooked at the right time to remain soft and tender, and fried manti should be crispy and delicious enough.
Sauces play an important role in completing the taste of this dish and can add variety and excitement to it.
Tips for Making Manti Sauce:
For a better flavor, use full-fat strained yogurt for the yogurt sauce.
You can also add your favorite spices, such as black pepper, oregano, and thyme, to the tomato sauce.
If you find the tomato sauce too thin, you can increase the amount of tomato paste.
You can serve the sauces separately so that everyone can use them as they like.
If you are craving a plate of delicious manti with Turkish sauce, I suggest you visit the Rose Restaurant. This delicious dish is prepared with a special recipe by the famous Turkish chef Golab.
