SAEDNEWS: Mantu is a delicious Afghan dumpling and is also considered one of Afghanistan’s traditional national dishes. We have prepared an easy-to-follow recipe to show you how to make authentic Afghan mantu at home.
According to Saednews, Mantu, also known as Afghan mantoo, is a popular traditional Afghan dish loved for its delicious flavor. These steamed dumplings are filled with seasoned ground meat and are commonly served at family gatherings and special occasions. They can be prepared in different sizes and served with flavorful sauces and toppings.
Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
Egg | 1 |
All-purpose flour | 375 g |
Salt | ½ teaspoon |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Beat the egg in a bowl.
Add a little water and mix again.
Add the flour, olive oil, and salt.
Mix the ingredients until they begin to form a dough.
Knead the dough thoroughly by hand.
If the dough feels dry or flour remains on its surface, gradually add a little water and continue kneading.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth while the dough rests.
Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
Ground meat | 500 g |
Fresh cilantro | 1 bunch |
Medium onions | 2 |
Garlic | 2 cloves |
Red pepper | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Turmeric | ½ teaspoon |
Ground coriander seeds | 1 teaspoon |
Olive oil | As needed |
Peel and finely dice the onions.
Heat some olive oil in a suitable frying pan.
Add the onions and sauté until softened and lightly golden.
Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly.
Add the ground meat, salt, red pepper, coriander seeds, and turmeric.
Cook and stir until the meat is lightly browned.
Add the chopped fresh cilantro and mix well.
Continue cooking briefly, then remove the filling from the heat.
Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
Cooked split peas | 1 cup |
Thick yogurt | 2 tablespoons |
Salt | ½ teaspoon |
Ground coriander | ½ teaspoon |
Turmeric | 1 teaspoon |
Tomato paste | 3 tablespoons |
Garlic | 2 cloves |
Cook the split peas until tender.
Sauté the grated garlic in a pan.
Add the cooked split peas, salt, coriander, and turmeric, then sauté briefly.
Add the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes.
Allow the mixture to cook until the flavors come together.
In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt, salt, and two grated garlic cloves. Mix well.
After the dough has rested for 30 minutes, place it on a work surface.
Divide the dough into two portions.
Take one portion and roll it out very thinly with a rolling pin.
Cut the dough into small circles.
Keep the dough as thin as possible.
Place a small amount of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle.
Carefully bring the edges together and seal the dumplings.
Lightly coat the dumplings with a small amount of oil to prevent them from sticking.
Steam the mantu until the dough is fully cooked, taking care not to let the dumplings open during cooking.
Mantu can be served with the sauces separately or layered over the dumplings.
Spread the garlic-yogurt mixture over a serving platter.
Arrange the cooked mantu on top.
Spoon the split-pea and tomato sauce over the dumplings.
Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve warm.
Mantu can be served for either lunch or dinner.
Beef or veal can be used for the filling.
There are several traditional variations of the dough, filling, and sauces.
Making mantu requires patience because preparing and folding the dumplings can take some time.
For steaming, you can use a metal steaming basket placed over a pot of boiling water.
Ready-made dumpling wrappers can also be used to save preparation time.
Make sure the edges of each dumpling are firmly sealed so the filling does not escape during steaming.
The yogurt-garlic sauce and tomato-based topping give the dish its characteristic Afghan flavor.
Preparation time: Approximately 30 minutes
Cooking and resting time: Approximately 30 minutes
Total time: Varies depending on the number of dumplings and preparation speed
Servings: Approximately 10 people
Afghan mantu is a flavorful combination of delicate dough, seasoned meat, creamy garlic yogurt, and a rich tomato and split-pea topping. It makes a wonderful centerpiece for a family meal or a special gathering.
