Who really has the time to sit and make individual Manti dumplings on a regular basis? I learned a few recipes while I was in the Middle East last summer. One of them, that I learned from my cousin, is a quick and easy imitation to the famous Turkish dish, Manti. It definitely satisfies your cravings for Manti without all the hard work. It's really easy to make and takes about 15 minutes. So, for those last minute meals or busy days, this dish is perfectly ideal. Here's the recipe I was taught. I'm working on figuring out another version with my twist for this recipe but till I do, here's this one!
Ingredients:
1 lbs pasta
1 small onion, ground or finely minced
1 lbs meat
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Baharat (Arabic spices, usually found in international supermarkets)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 clove garlic
1 cup yogurt
pinch red pepper (optional)
pinch sumac (optional)
Directions:
Boil pasta as directed, drain.
In a separate pan, heat olive oil and add onions. Sauté onions till translucent.
Add meat and cook till browned and cooked through.
Once cooked, add spices. Stir well so that all spices are mixed in. Cook for another 2 minutes.
With a mortar and pestle, crush a garlic clove with a pinch of salt. Add yogurt and whip well.
To serve, add pasta, top with meat mixture and yogurt. Sprinkle with red pepper and/or sumac.
If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #EATDRINKPLAYLA. I’d love to see how yours turned out!