Manti Monday

I grew up eating Manti -- it reminds me of my grandmother, which is why I love it so much! This Authentic Armenian dish is a definite crowd pleaser and just a comfort food all around. I've made this for all my friends and family and make it for my boyfriend at least once a month (he would request it more if he could). The flavors go so well together and it really is easy to make. You can make this as an appetizer or serve as a main dish with a big green salad on the side. I can't wait for you to try this dish and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do. From my heart to yours, Anoush!

Best, Alina

---

Total Time: 1 Hour and 30 Minutes | Prep Time: 1 Hour | Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Servings: 6-8 (Depending on the hungry crowd)

Ingredients:

For The Filling:

1 Pound Organic Ground Beef

1 Small Onion, Minced or Grated

Salt, Pepper, and Allspice to taste

For The Dough:

3 Cups of Flour

1 Egg

6 Tablespoons Water

4 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

1 Teaspoon of Salt

For The Yogurt Sauce:

1 Cup of Plain Yogurt

2 Cloves of Garlic, Pressed or Garlic Powder to Taste

1/2 Teaspoon of Salt

1/2 Teaspoon of Sumac

1/2 Teaspoon of Aleppo Pepper

Method:

To prepare the filling, combine ground beef, minced or grated onion, salt, pepper (I used both Black Pepper and Aleppo Pepper), and Allspice in a large bowl and mix well. Set the mixture aside.

To prepare the dough, in a separate bowl, combine the flour, egg, water, olive oil, and salt. Knead this mixture by hand or with an electric mixture for five to ten minutes, or until dough forms into a smooth and shiny ball. If the dough is not pliable enough, add more water and/or olive oil. Let the dough rest at room temperature for about thirty minutes.

Once dough is rested, roll the dough on a lightly floured surface or using a pasta roller until it is paper thin. Cut dough into one and a half inch squares.

Once the dough is cut into squares, place about a teaspoon of the meat filling in the center of each square. Pinch the two ends with your fingers to form a canoe-shape. Repeat this step until the meat filling and dough are finished.

Arrange the Manti close together, meat side up in a greased pan or cookie sheet. This can be done in circular or square pan, depending on your preference. The pan should be quite large, as you will have lots of Manti to fill it with.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for about twenty-five to thirty minutes, or until Manti are golden brown. After about twenty minutes, pour about 1/4 cup of hot chicken broth on the Manti and place bake in the oven to complete cooking.

In a bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, salt, sumac, and pepper and mix well.

Once the Manti is done cooking, serve warm with yogurt sauce on top or on the side for dipping.

*If you do not have time or energy to make your own dough, Wonton Wrappers cut into four equal squares are a great substitute.