Go Back

Spiced Meat Dumplings Recipe (Armenian Manti)

These Spiced Meat Dumplings (Armenian Manti) feature crispy, oven-baked dumplings filled with aromatic ground beef or lamb, served with garlicky yogurt and optional tomato broth—a traditional and comforting dish from Armenian cuisine perfect for family gatherings or freezer-friendly meal prep.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6
Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup warm water add gradually
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Spiced Meat Filling:

  • 1 lb ground lamb or beef or a mix
  • 1 small onion finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Aleppo pepper or paprika
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro finely chopped

For the Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed into a paste
  • Salt to taste
  • Splash of water optional

For the Tomato Broth (Optional):

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Pinch of salt and Aleppo pepper

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
  • Make a well, add the egg and olive oil. Gradually add warm water.
  • Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Make the Filling:

  • In a bowl, mix ground meat, grated onion, garlic, spices, and herbs.
  • Stir well and chill until ready to use.

Roll and Cut the Dough:

  • Divide dough into 2–3 pieces.
  • Roll out each piece thin (about 1/16 inch).
  • Cut into 1½ inch squares.

Fill and Shape the Manti:

  • Add about ½ tsp meat filling in the center of each square.
  • Pinch opposite corners together to form a boat or canoe shape.
  • Arrange tightly in a buttered or parchment-lined baking dish.

Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Brush tops with melted butter or oil.
  • Bake for 30–40 minutes until golden and crisp.

Make the Sauces:

  • Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
  • Mix yogurt, garlic, salt, and thin with water if needed.
  • Tomato Broth (Optional):
  • Melt butter in a pan, stir in tomato paste, then add broth.
  • Season and simmer gently for 5–10 minutes.

Serve:

  • Serve manti hot with a generous spoon of garlic yogurt.
  • Drizzle warm tomato broth on top if desired.
  • Garnish with parsley or sumac.

Notes

  • Storage: Store cooked manti in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked manti on a tray, then transfer to bags. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to bake time.
  • Variations: Try vegetarian fillings like mashed lentils or sautéed mushrooms. Cheese or herb-based versions are also popular.
  • Make Ahead Tip: Both dough and filling can be prepped a day in advance and stored covered in the fridge.