Armenian Manti Dumplings

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Armenian Manti Dumplings.

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious manti, grab a mixing bowl and combine three-quarters of the flour with an egg, a splash of olive oil, kosher salt, and water.

2. Step 2

   Use a fork to mix everything together until it begins to form a cohesive mixture.

3. Step 3

   Once it’s coming together, switch to your hands and knead it into a shaggy dough.

4. Step 4

   Next, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it until it’s smooth, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking.

5. Step 5

   Once you have a lovely, smooth dough, cover it and let it rest for about 30 minutes to relax.

6. Step 6

   While the dough is resting, let’s prepare the filling.

7. Step 7

   In another bowl, mix together ground beef, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, smoked paprika, kosher salt, pepper, and a pinch of Armenian cayenne for a delightful kick.

8. Step 8

   Use a fork to combine the ingredients, then get in there with your hands to ensure everything is well mixed.

9. Step 9

   Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh while you work on the dough.

10. Step 10

    Now it’s time to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a cast-iron skillet with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

11. Step 11

    On a floured surface, take half of your rested dough and roll it out as thin as you can into a large rectangle.

12. Step 12

    Cut the dough into strips, then slice those strips into small rectangles, each measuring about 1.

13. Step 13

    5 by 1.

14. Step 14

    75 inches.

15. Step 15

    Don’t worry about any scraps; you can use them later.

16. Step 16

    Repeat this process with the second half of the dough.

17. Step 17

    Now for the fun part! Spoon about half to one teaspoon of your flavorful filling into the center of each rectangle.

18. Step 18

    To seal them, moisten the edges with a little water and pinch the ends together, creating the traditional manti shape.

19. Step 19

    Make sure your dumplings can stand upright in the skillet for the best presentation.

20. Step 20

    Arrange the manti in your prepared skillet, leaving some space between them since they’ll puff up while baking.

21. Step 21

    Pop them in the oven and let them bake for 40 minutes until they’re golden and delicious.

22. Step 22

    While the manti are baking, let’s whip up a simple yet flavorful sauce.

23. Step 23

    In a pot over medium-high heat, warm some olive oil and sauté minced garlic until it’s fragrant, which should take about 20 to 30 seconds.

24. Step 24

    Then, stir in tomato sauce and pour in chicken broth, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne for extra warmth.

25. Step 25

    Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove it from the heat.

26. Step 26

    Once your manti have baked for 40 minutes, it’s time to ladle that rich tomato broth over them.

27. Step 27

    Return the skillet to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

28. Step 28

    When the timer goes off, your manti will be ready to impress! Enjoy this delightful dish that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.