Description
A delightful blend of tender roasted red kuri squash and creamy goat’s cheese wrapped in delicate homemade dough. These pan-fried manti offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors—ideal for an impressive appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium red kuri squash, peeled and diced
- 200g goat’s cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup water (more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for frying)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives), for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast: Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized. Let cool slightly.
- Make Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour with a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center, add egg and water, and mix to form dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Roll Dough: Divide dough into four portions. Roll each on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut Circles: Use a 3-inch cutter or glass to cut dough rounds.
- Prepare Filling: Mix roasted squash and goat’s cheese in a bowl. Adjust seasoning.
- Fill Manti: Place a teaspoon of filling on each round. Fold dough into half-moon shapes and pinch edges to seal tightly.
- Cook Manti: Boil water in a large pot. Cook manti in batches for 5-7 minutes until they float.
- Sauté: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add cooked manti and sauté until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a plate, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.
Notes
- Swap goat’s cheese with ricotta or feta for a milder filling.
- Add sautéed onions or garlic to the filling for extra flavor.
- Serve with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of melted butter infused with herbs.
- Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or coriander in the filling.
- For a vegan option, substitute goat’s cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Roasting, Boiling, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern/Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 manti
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
