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
Scale
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.