Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe
If you are looking to delight your taste buds with something truly special, this Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender, handmade dumplings filled with savory ground meat perfectly complement the creamy, garlicky yogurt sauce and the aromatic, smoky spiced oil. Each bite feels like a warm hug straight from Turkish home cooking, bringing a balance of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. It’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is rewarding to eat, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal with friends or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dish. Each element plays a crucial role—whether adding texture, moisture, warmth, or that signature burst of flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the dough, providing the perfect elasticity for tender dumplings.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor, balanced carefully in both dough and filling.
- Egg: Gives the dough structure and richness.
- Water: Essential for bringing the dough together; adjust as needed for softness.
- Ground lamb or beef: The heart of the filling, offering juicy and savory notes.
- Small onion, finely grated: Adds natural sweetness and moisture that balances the meatiness.
- Black pepper: Brings a subtle kick and depth to the filling.
- Ground cumin (optional): Provides a warm, earthy undertone characteristic of Turkish spices.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, forming the perfect base for the garlicky sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Bright and pungent, infusing the yogurt with delicious aroma.
- Butter or olive oil: For the luscious spiced oil that coats the dumplings.
- Paprika: Adds smoky warmth and vibrant color to the oil.
- Red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper: Delivers gentle heat without overwhelming the dish.
- Dried mint (optional): Introduces a refreshing herbal note that lifts the spiced oil beautifully.
How to Make Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Begin by combining the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the egg and water slowly, mixing until a firm dough forms. The magic here is in kneading well for about 5 to 7 minutes, which develops the dough’s elasticity and ensures your dumplings will be tender yet sturdy. After kneading, cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes—this little pause makes rolling the dough out much easier and improves texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is resting, let’s get the filling ready. Mix the ground lamb or beef with finely grated onion, salt, black pepper, and cumin if you’re using it. The onion isn’t just a filler—it keeps the meat juicy and adds a touch of natural sweetness that perfectly balances the savory spice. Stir everything until it’s well combined, and set aside. You’re already halfway to delicious!
Step 3: Roll and Fill Dumplings
Now comes the fun part. Roll your rested dough into a thin sheet, about 1/16-inch thick—that’s really thin, so the dumplings cook quickly without feeling doughy. Cut the dough into 1.5-inch squares. Place about half a teaspoon of filling in the center of each square, then pinch the corners together tightly to seal. It’s like giving each dumpling a little hug before cooking!
Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the dumplings in batches to avoid crowding, cooking them for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they float to the top and are cooked through. The floating is your sign that they’re ready—then carefully remove them with a slotted spoon and keep warm while you finish the sauce and spiced oil.
Step 5: Make the Yogurt Sauce
Whisk together the plain Greek yogurt with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. This garlicky yogurt sauce is cool, creamy, and bursts with fresh flavor. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the hot, spiced dumplings, offering a luscious creaminess that ties the dish all together.
Step 6: Make the Spiced Oil
In a small pan, melt butter or warm olive oil over medium heat. Add paprika, red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper, and dried mint if you’re using it. Stir continuously for just 1 or 2 minutes—be careful not to let the spices burn. The oil will become fragrant and vibrant, ready to drizzle over your dumplings for a fragrant, slightly smoky kick.
Step 7: Assemble the Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe
Plate the cooked dumplings, spoon the garlicky yogurt generously over them, then drizzle with the hot spiced oil. The contrasting temperatures and textures make this dish absolutely irresistible. Serve immediately, and watch as your guests’ faces light up with delight!
How to Serve Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill for a pop of green and a touch of brightness. A few toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts can add satisfying crunch and nutsiness that complements the creamy yogurt beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderful on its own but pairs perfectly with simple sides like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. You can also offer warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that spiced oil and yogurt sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the dumplings on a large platter with dollops of yogurt sauce artfully scattered and spiced oil drizzled in a decorative pattern. You could also serve the dumplings in individual bowls layered with yogurt sauce, then topped with a swirl of the hot spiced oil for a charming rustic vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the dumplings, yogurt sauce, and spiced oil separately in airtight containers inside the fridge. This will preserve their textures and keep flavors fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked dumplings by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Cook frozen dumplings straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the boiling time.
Reheating
Reheat cooked dumplings gently in a skillet with a little butter or oil to crisp them up, or drop them briefly into boiling water. Warm the yogurt sauce separately and drizzle over the dumplings once hot for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other meats besides lamb or beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be a lighter alternative that still works well with the spices and textures of this recipe.
Is it possible to make the dough without eggs?
Yes, you can omit the egg and simply use flour, salt, and water to make a sturdy dough, though the egg helps with elasticity and richness, so the texture will be slightly different.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
Plain regular yogurt strained through a cheesecloth to thicken it works great as a replacement. Just make sure it is thick and creamy to hold up well with the dish.
How spicy is the spiced oil?
The heat can be adjusted by controlling the amount of red pepper flakes or substituting with mild Aleppo pepper. It adds a flavorful warmth without overwhelming heat unless you prefer it that way!
Can I make these dumplings vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the meat filling for mashed lentils, mushrooms, or spiced vegetables. Pair with the same garlicky yogurt sauce using a plant-based yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe from scratch—the way simple ingredients transform into a dish packed with love and bold flavors. Once you taste these dumplings, with their creamy sauce and fragrant oil, you’ll be hooked and eager to share this delicious tradition with everyone you know. So grab your rolling pin and get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey that celebrates the heart of Turkish home cooking!
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Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Turkish Dumplings with Garlicky Yogurt and Spiced Oil are delicate, handmade dumplings filled with seasoned ground lamb or beef, boiled to perfection, and served with a creamy garlic-infused yogurt sauce drizzled with a fragrant, spiced butter or olive oil. This traditional dish combines tender dough, savory meat, and vibrant spices for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup water (more as needed)
Filling:
- 1/2 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
Garlicky Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Spiced Butter/Oil:
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried mint (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the egg and water gradually, mixing until a firm dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the ground lamb or beef with the finely grated onion, salt, black pepper, and cumin if using. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly and set aside.
- Roll and Fill Dumplings: Roll the rested dough out on a floured surface into a thin sheet approximately 1/16-inch thick. Cut the dough into 1.5-inch squares. Place about 1/2 teaspoon of the meat filling in the center of each square. Pinch the corners together firmly to seal and form each dumpling.
- Cook the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dumplings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook them for 6 to 8 minutes or until they float to the surface and are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings from the water and drain.
- Make the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and salt. Stir well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make the Spiced Oil: Heat butter or olive oil over medium heat in a small pan. Add paprika, red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper, and dried mint if using. Stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to let the spices burn. Remove from heat once fragrant.
- Assemble: Arrange the cooked dumplings on serving plates. Spoon the garlicky yogurt sauce generously over the dumplings, then drizzle the hot spiced oil on top. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Resting the dough is essential to make rolling and handling easier by relaxing the gluten.
- You can substitute ground lamb with beef or a mixture of both for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili to the filling.
- Use Greek yogurt for creaminess and thickness in the yogurt sauce.
- Ensure not to overcook dumplings; once they float, they are usually done.
- Dried mint adds a traditional aromatic touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
