Savor the Bold Flavors of Turkish Ravioli Soup – Mantı Çorbası.
Embrace the rich culinary heritage of Turkey with Mantı Çorbası, a comforting soup that combines tender Turkish ravioli, nutty chickpeas, and a tangy yogurt-based dressing.
Infused with dried mint, garlic, and warming spices, this hearty soup is perfect for cool evenings or when you crave a flavorful and filling dish.
Whether served as a main course or a starter, Mantı Çorbası captures the essence of Turkish home cooking, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for an unforgettable dining experience.
For the Soup:
⦁ 1 ½ cups Turkish ravioli (mantı)
⦁ 1 cup boiled chickpeas
⦁ 2 tablespoons flour
⦁ 1 tablespoon olive oil
⦁ 2 tablespoons butter
⦁ 1 tablespoon tomato paste
⦁ 3 teaspoons dried mint
⦁ 1 teaspoon ground red pepper
⦁ 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
⦁ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
⦁ 6 ¼ cups (1.5 liters) hot water
⦁ 1 chicken bouillon cube
⦁ Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
⦁ 1 egg yolk
⦁ Juice of 1 fresh lemon
⦁ 2 teaspoons vinegar
1. Prepare the Base: In a medium pot, sauté flour, olive oil, and butter over medium heat until the mixture turns golden and loses its raw scent.
2. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste and sauté briefly on low heat. Add dried mint, ground red pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder. Stir to combine the flavors.
3. Build the Soup: Gradually add hot water to the pot while stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 5–10 minutes on high heat.
4. Cook Ravioli and Chickpeas: Add Turkish ravioli and boiled chickpeas to the pot. Stir well and let the soup boil for 15 minutes until the ravioli are tender.
5. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolk, lemon juice, and vinegar together. Slowly add 2 ladles of the hot soup liquid to the dressing, whisking constantly to temper it.
6. Incorporate the Dressing: Slowly pour the tempered dressing into the boiling soup while stirring continuously. Simmer until the soup thickens slightly.
7. Finalize the Flavor: Add the chicken bouillon cube and stir until dissolved. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of dried mint or chili flakes if desired.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Mini Mantı – Use frozen or homemade Turkish dumplings with spiced meat filling
✔ Yogurt – Full-fat plain yogurt gives the soup its signature tangy base
✔ Egg Yolk – Stabilizes the yogurt and prevents curdling
✔ Flour – A small spoonful helps thicken the yogurt base
✔ Garlic – Crushed and mixed into the yogurt for depth
✔ Butter – For the spicy finishing drizzle
✔ Dried Mint – Essential herb for traditional Turkish flavor
✔ Aleppo Pepper or Paprika – Adds color and gentle heat to the butter sauce
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Optional: Chicken or Vegetable Stock – Adds depth and a savory boost
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Boil the Mantı – Cook gently in salted water or broth until just tender
✔ Whisk Yogurt Base – Blend yogurt, flour, egg yolk, and garlic until smooth
✔ Temper Slowly – Add hot broth to the yogurt mixture gradually to avoid curdling
✔ Combine Gently – Pour tempered yogurt into the pot and heat on low, stirring constantly
✔ Don’t Boil – Keep temperature low to preserve the creamy texture
🔥 Cooking Techniques
✔ Stir Constantly – Prevents yogurt from separating during cooking
✔ Use Low Heat – Yogurt soups are delicate; avoid sudden temperature shifts
✔ Make the Sauce Separately – Melt butter and add mint + Aleppo pepper until fragrant
✔ Drizzle to Finish – Pour the spiced butter over each bowl just before serving
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Garlic + Mint – A classic combo that defines this dish
✔ Salt Gradually – Taste after combining the yogurt and broth
✔ Add Lemon (Optional) – A squeeze of lemon can brighten the yogurt base
✔ Keep It Mild – Let the spiced butter add the kick, not the soup itself
📦 Storage
✔ Store Separately – Keep mantı and yogurt base in separate containers if storing
✔ Fridge – Lasts 2–3 days; reheat gently over low heat
✔ Avoid Freezing – Yogurt-based soups don’t freeze well; they tend to separate
✔ Reheat Slowly – Stir constantly and avoid boiling to maintain texture
🍽 Serving
✔ Traditional Style – Serve hot with a generous drizzle of spiced butter
✔ Garnish Options – Dried mint, sumac, or fresh parsley for extra color
✔ Bread Pairing – Crusty Turkish bread or pita for dipping
✔ Side Suggestion – Great with a fresh cucumber-yogurt salad or pickled veggies