SAEDNEWS: Mantu is a delicious Afghan pastry that is also considered an official dish of Afghanistan. We have prepared the recipe for Mantu for you.
Mantu, also called Manto, is a traditional Afghan dish known for its delicious taste and wide popularity. Essentially, mantu are dumplings filled with meat and special spices, adding color and flavor to Afghan tables during gatherings. You can make this dish in any size you like and serve it with a variety of sauces. Below is a step-by-step guide to preparing mantu.
To make mantu, you first need to prepare the dough.
Ingredients for the Dough
Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
Egg | 1 |
All-purpose flour | 375 g |
Salt | 1½ tsp |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk the egg.
Add a little water to the egg and whisk again.
Add the flour, olive oil, and salt.
Mix all ingredients together.
Knead the dough by hand.
If the dough is dry or flour remains on the surface, add a bit more water and continue kneading.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Cover the bowl with a cloth.
Next, prepare the mantu filling.
Ingredients for the Filling
Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
Ground meat | 500 g |
Fresh coriander | 1 bunch |
Medium onion | 2 |
Garlic | 2 cloves |
Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
Salt | 1 tsp |
Turmeric | ½ tsp |
Coriander seeds | 1 tsp |
Olive oil | As needed |
Instructions
Peel and finely dice the onions.
Heat oil in a suitable pan.
Add the onions and sauté until softened.
Add garlic and sauté briefly.
Add ground meat along with salt, chili, coriander seeds, and turmeric.
Cook the meat until lightly browned.
Add chopped coriander and stir.
Now prepare the mantu sauce.
Ingredients for the Sauce
Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
Cooked lentils | 1 cup |
Strained yogurt | 2 tbsp |
Salt | ½ tsp |
Ground coriander | ½ tsp |
Turmeric | 1 tsp |
Tomato paste | 3 tbsp |
Garlic | 2 cloves |
Instructions
Cook the lentils.
In a pan, sauté grated garlic, then add lentils, salt, ground coriander, and turmeric.
Add tomato paste and cook until the mixture thickens.
In a separate bowl, mix yogurt, salt, and grated garlic.
Folding the dough around the filling requires precision.
Instructions
Take the rested dough out and place it on a work surface.
Divide the dough into two portions.
Roll out one portion thinly.
Cut the dough into small circles.
Place the meat mixture in the center of each circle.
Seal the edges.
Lightly coat the dumplings with oil.
Steam or boil them carefully, ensuring the dumplings do not open.
You can serve the sauce separately or pour it over the dumplings.
Spread the yogurt and garlic mixture on a serving dish.
Place the mantu on top.
Pour the lentil sauce over the dumplings.
Garnish with fresh coriander.
Mantu can be served for lunch or dinner.
You can use either beef or veal for the filling.
There are various recipes for the dough and sauces.
Preparing this dish requires time and patience, roughly 2–3 hours.
To steam mantu, use a metal steamer over a pot.
You can also buy ready-made dough from stores.
Additional Notes
Preparation of ingredients takes about 30 minutes.
Cooking and steaming take around 30 minutes.
This recipe serves approximately 10 people.
