If you have a soft spot for comfort food that carries a vibrant, exotic twist, then the Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These delicate, tender dumplings filled with savory meat are perfectly complemented by a tangy, garlicky yogurt sauce and a luscious drizzle of spiced oil that brings warmth and a touch of heat. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and texture that make this dish as joyous to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe invites you into the rich culinary world of Turkish cuisine in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish relies on simple, straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create a complex flavor profile. Each component, from the dough to the spiced oil, plays an essential role in building the signature taste and texture of the Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dumpling dough, essential for that perfect tender yet sturdy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for dough): Enhances flavor in the dough and balances the filling.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
- 1/4 cup water (plus more as needed): Hydrates the dough for pliability.
- 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb: The hearty, flavorful filling that makes these dumplings so satisfying.
- 1 small onion, grated: Adds sweetness and moisture to the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for filling): Brings out the meat’s natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives the filling a gentle spice.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: The creamy, tangy base for the garlicky sauce that cools and complements the meat.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Packs a punch in the yogurt sauce for aromatic depth.
- Pinch of salt (for yogurt sauce): Balances the sharpness of the garlic and yogurt.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Rich foundation for the spiced oil that brings a silky finish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps meld the spices in the oil and adds a fresh fruitiness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Infuses a smoky warmth to the spiced oil.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Aleppo or chili flakes): Offers a mild heat that lingers delightfully.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mint: Lends an unexpected herbal brightness to the oil.
How to Make Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the all-purpose flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cracking in the egg and adding the water slowly, stir everything together until a stiff but workable dough forms. Knead the dough vigorously for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes silky and smooth, which is crucial for tender dumplings that hold their shape well during cooking. Once kneaded, cover your dough and let it rest for half an hour — this resting period makes rolling out a breeze and ensures the dough won’t shrink back.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough rests, focus on the savory filling. In a bowl, mix the ground meat with grated onion, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The grated onion is a quiet hero here, adding moisture and sweetness that meld perfectly with the rich meat. Stir this mixture just until combined, no overworking needed to keep the filling tender.
Step 3: Shape the Dumplings
Once rested, roll out the dough on a floured surface very thin — think almost like pasta dough thickness. Cut the sheet into roughly 1.5-inch squares, the perfect size for bite-sized dumplings. Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each square. Then, carefully pinch the corners together to seal the dumpling tight, forming a little bundle of deliciousness ready for cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the dumplings in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. They will cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until they float gracefully to the surface, signaling they’re perfectly cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to gently remove them and set them aside to drain briefly.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlicky Yogurt Sauce
A quick mix of plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt is all you need to create the cooling, creamy sauce that pairs stunningly with the meaty dumplings. This sauce brightens every bite and adds that classic Turkish tang.
Step 6: Make the Spiced Oil
Melt butter with olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted and warm, stir in the paprika, red pepper flakes, and dried mint. Let the mixture simmer gently for one minute to allow the aromatic spices to bloom. This fragrant oil is the perfect finishing touch, drizzling over the dumplings for a layer of lush, spicy richness.
How to Serve Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of sumac on top. Parsley adds a fresh, herbal brightness while sumac gives a tart, lemony zing that awakens the flavors. Both are traditional and delicious ways to finish this dish with flair.
Side Dishes
Serve these dumplings alongside a crisp, refreshing salad of cucumbers and tomatoes dressed in lemon and olive oil, or a simple pilaf to soak up all those luscious yogurt and spiced oil drizzles. These sides keep the meal balanced and letting the dumplings shine as the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the dumplings in small individual bowls, layering yogurt sauce first, then dumplings, topped with spiced oil and garnishes for a visually stunning presentation. Alternatively, offer components separately and let everyone build their own bites—that interactive approach is engaging and allows each person to customize the perfect balance of flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, keep the dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This way, you preserve their tenderness and freshness, just be sure to add the yogurt sauce right before serving to keep it vibrant.
Freezing
A fantastic feature of this Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe is that you can freeze the dumplings before boiling. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, simply boil them from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to cook times—super convenient for meal prep!
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, gently warm the dumplings in simmering water or steam to avoid drying them out. Then, serve with freshly made or leftover garlicky yogurt sauce and a fresh pour of spiced oil to revive all those magical flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different filling instead of ground beef or lamb?
Absolutely! While traditional Turkish dumplings typically feature ground meat, you can easily substitute mashed potatoes or spiced lentils for a vegetarian option without losing any of the dish’s heartiness and flavor.
How thin should I roll the dough for the dumplings?
You want to roll the dough as thin as you can without it tearing — about 1 to 2 millimeters thick is ideal. This ensures the dumplings stay tender and cook evenly while being strong enough to hold the filling.
What kind of yogurt works best for the sauce?
Plain Greek yogurt is best because it is thick and creamy, providing the perfect base for the garlicky sauce. If you only have regular yogurt, strain it to remove excess liquid for similar consistency.
Is the spiced oil very spicy?
The spiced oil has a gentle heat level thanks to the red pepper flakes, particularly if you use Aleppo pepper, which is milder and fruity. You can adjust the spice to your preference by adding less or more chili flakes.
Can I prepare this dish for a special occasion?
Definitely! Turkish dumplings with garlicky yogurt and spiced oil look beautiful and taste impressive, making them perfect for dinners with friends or family celebrations. Their unique combination of flavors always sparks conversation and delight.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the harmony of flavors and textures in the Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe. From the delicate dumpling dough to the rich meat filling and cooling yogurt sauce, finished with a smoky, spiced drizzle, every bite tells a story of tradition and comfort. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this dish—it’s not just cooking, it’s creating an experience that brings warmth to the table and joy to the heart.
Print
Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Halal
Description
Traditional Turkish dumplings filled with seasoned ground beef or lamb, served with a tangy garlicky yogurt sauce and drizzled with a fragrant spiced butter and olive oil mixture. This comforting main course combines tender handmade pasta with rich flavors and a hint of heat, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup water (plus more as needed)
Filling
- 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion (grated)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Pinch of salt
Spiced Oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Aleppo or chili flakes)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the egg and water, mixing until a stiff dough is formed. Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes to develop gluten for easier rolling.
- Make the filling: While the dough rests, mix the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Shape the dumplings: Roll out the rested dough thinly on a floured surface. Cut the dough into 1.5-inch squares. Place a small spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each square. Pinch the corners together firmly to form tight dumplings, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
- Boil the dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dumplings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 6–8 minutes or until the dumplings float to the surface and are cooked through. Drain carefully and set aside.
- Prepare the yogurt sauce: In a small bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt with the minced garlic and a pinch of salt until smooth and flavorful.
- Make the spiced oil: In a small pan, melt the butter along with the olive oil over low heat. Stir in the paprika, red pepper flakes, and dried mint. Allow to simmer gently for about 1 minute to infuse the flavors without burning the spices.
- Serve: Arrange the warm dumplings on plates. Spoon generous dollops of the garlicky yogurt sauce over the dumplings. Drizzle the hot spiced oil evenly on top just before serving to add a rich, aromatic finish.
Notes
- You can prepare the dumplings ahead of time by assembling and freezing them before boiling; this makes for convenient cooking on demand.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat filling with mashed potatoes or spiced lentils.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sumac to add bright, herbaceous notes and a hint of tartness.
