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DINNER

Armenian Manti (Baked Dumplings) with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

These savory Armenian manti are small, boat-shaped dumplings filled with spiced ground beef, baked until golden, and served with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce. It's a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner.

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HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

01

In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, parsley, cumin, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

02

Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean surface. Place about 1/2 teaspoon of the meat mixture in the center of each wrapper. Fold two opposite corners to meet in the middle, then pinch the edges together to form a small boat shape, leaving the top open.

03

Arrange the manti snugly in a single layer in a large baking dish or on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the edges of the wrappers are golden brown and slightly crispy.

04

While the manti are baking, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, minced garlic, and dried mint. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.

05

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. If desired, add the red pepper flakes to the melted butter and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. This creates a flavorful chili butter.

06

Once the manti are baked, remove them from the oven. Serve immediately, topped generously with the garlic yogurt sauce and drizzled with the melted chili butter.

About This Recipe

These savory Armenian manti are small, boat-shaped dumplings filled with spiced ground beef, baked until golden, and served with a refreshing garlic yogurt sauce. It's a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner.
Armenian Manti (Baked Dumplings) with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.
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Chef's Tips

For extra flavor, you can lightly brush the manti with a little olive oil before baking. Ensure the wonton wrappers are sealed well to prevent the filling from escaping during baking. If you can't find square wonton wrappers, you can use round ones and fold them into half-moon shapes, pinching the edges tightly.
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Easy Substitutions

Ground lamb can be used instead of ground beef for a richer flavor. For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat filling with a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, and spices. Greek yogurt can be used for a thicker sauce. If fresh parsley is unavailable, 1 tablespoon of dried parsley can be used in the filling.
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Storage & Reheating

Leftover baked manti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The garlic yogurt sauce should be stored separately. Reheat manti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Add fresh sauce after reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Armenian manti as a main course for dinner. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A side of pickled vegetables, such as pickled cucumbers or cabbage, would also complement the rich flavors. For a heartier meal, offer a side of bulgur pilaf.

Common Mistakes

Overfilling the wrappers: Too much filling can make it difficult to seal the manti, causing them to burst during baking. Use only about 1/2 teaspoon per wrapper. Not sealing the wrappers properly: Ensure all edges are firmly pinched together to keep the filling inside. Overbaking: While you want crispy edges, overbaking can dry out the meat filling. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes. Serving cold sauce: While the yogurt sauce is cold, ensure the manti are hot when served for the best contrast in temperatures and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the manti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the manti and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

What kind of wonton wrappers should I use?

Standard square wonton wrappers found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores work perfectly.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Ground lamb is a traditional alternative and offers a richer flavor. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used for a lighter option, but may require additional seasoning to enhance flavor.

Is the chili butter necessary?

The chili butter adds a beautiful color and a subtle spicy kick, but it's optional. You can omit it or use plain melted butter if you prefer.
MORE TO KNOW
The key to perfect manti is achieving a crispy wrapper while keeping the filling juicy. Baking them in a single layer ensures even cooking and browning. The boat shape is traditional for Armenian manti, allowing the top to remain open to absorb some of the sauce. Don't overcrowd your baking dish, as this can steam the dumplings instead of baking them to a crisp texture. If you prefer a softer manti, you can briefly simmer the baked manti in a little broth before serving, then top with the yogurt sauce.
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