Turkish pasta Yalancı Mantı with meat sauce and yogurt on stone surface.

Discovering the delight of Yalancı Mantı

Yalancı Mantı, or Turkish pasta, captures the essence of traditional Turkish dumplings but with a new and simplified twist. Instead of the lengthy process of crafting tiny, intricate dumplings, this easy pasta dish allows you to enjoy the same hearty flavours in just a fraction of the time. Imagine a comforting plate, effortless and satisfying, ready in mere minutes!

How to prepare this delightful dish

To whip up Yalancı Mantı, you need some core ingredients. Small pasta shells are commonly used, echoing the shape of traditional mantı. The key player here is the spiced meat sauce, made by gently cooking minced beef or lamb with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices such as cumin and paprika. For that creamy and tangy kick, you'll add garlic to full-fat Greek yoghurt and a spritz of lemon juice—perfect for complementing the richness of the sauce. Top it all off with a drizzle of spiced butter infused with chilli flakes, and you're set. It’s an ode to the hearty Turkish culinary experience—all in under an hour!

Food as a heartwarming connection

This dish isn't just about taste; it carries cultural significance, bridging the generations in any kitchen. Making Yalancı Mantı can spark conversations about heritage and traditions, just as diners relish the familiar tastes that remind them of family gatherings and celebrations. It’s about sharing stories and creating memories while delighting in delicious food—particularly uplifting in today's busy world.

Bringing the experience home

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or seeking a quick weeknight meal, Yalancı Mantı fits the bill fabulously. The simplicity of preparation paired with an explosion of flavour ensures that everyone will leave he table satisfied. Embrace this warm dish in your own home, and invite friends to join in the joy of cooking and sharing.

So, gather your ingredients and try making Yalancı Mantı. You won't just be satisfied by the meal; you'll be indulging in a shared cultural tradition, bringing a piece of Turkey right into your dining room!

Yalancı Mantı (Turkish Pasta with Spiced Meat, Garlic Yogurt & Spiced Butter)

Merhaba! Welcome to my kitchen. Today I will share with you a true comfort food from our homes: Yalancı Mantı—which means “fake mantı.” This dish brings all the flavours of traditional Turkish mantı dumplings, but with the convenience of pasta. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Pasta

400g short pasta (shells, penne, or bowtie work best)
Salt for boiling

For the Meat Sauce

450g minced beef or lamb
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika (or Aleppo pepper if you have)
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (to taste)
2 tbsp olive oil
Optional: 1 medium carrot & 1 green pepper, finely diced (adds sweetness and colour)
1 can (200g) chopped tomatoes or 1-2 fresh tomatoes, diced

For the Garlic Yogurt

400g plain Greek yogurt (or thick Turkish yogurt)
2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
Salt to taste

For the Spiced Butter

3 tbsp butter
1 tsp paprika or Turkish pul biber (red pepper flakes)
1 tbsp olive oil

To Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley
Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing with a little olive oil to prevent sticking1 2.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion (and carrot/pepper if using), sauté until soft.
Add minced meat, cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Stir in garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Add chopped tomatoes, cook until the sauce thickens and flavours meld—about 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of water if needed1 2.

3. Make the Garlic Yogurt

In a bowl, mix yogurt, crushed garlic, and salt. Stir until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water3 1.

4. Prepare the Spiced Butter

In a small pan, melt butter with olive oil over low heat.
Add paprika or pul biber. Heat gently for 30 seconds until aromatic—do not burn the spices!3 1

5. Assemble the Dish

Place pasta on a serving plate.
Spoon meat sauce generously over the pasta.
Drizzle with garlic yogurt.
Finish with a generous drizzle of spiced butter.
Garnish with chopped parsley and cherry tomatoes for colour and freshness3 1 2.

Chef’s Tips

Use short pasta: Shells or bowties catch the sauce beautifully.
Balance the garlic: Turkish food loves garlic, but adjust to your taste.
For vegetarians: Swap the meat for spiced lentils or mushrooms.

Afiyet olsun! This dish is perfect for a family dinner or impressing your friends with real Turkish flavours—no dumpling folding required. If you want to taste the spirit of a Turkish home in Leicestershire, this is the recipe to try3 1 2.