Introduction
Mantu is a traditional Afghan dish that is loved for its delicious flavors and unique preparation. This dumpling dish is a staple in Afghan cuisine and is often served as a main course. The combination of tender dumplings filled with seasoned ground meat and topped with a tangy tomato sauce and yogurt creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress. In this blog post, we will share a step-by-step recipe for making Afghani Mantu, along with a list of ingredients you will need.
Ingredients
To make Afghani Mantu, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- For the filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the tomato sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the yogurt sauce:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the dumpling dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling
In a separate bowl, mix together the ground beef or lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Shape the dumplings
Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into small squares, approximately 2 inches in size. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each square. Fold the dough over the filling to create a triangle shape and pinch the edges to seal.
4. Steam the dumplings
Place the dumplings in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Steam the dumplings for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.
5. Prepare the tomato sauce
In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they are golden brown. Add the crushed tomatoes, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
6. Serve the Mantu
To serve, place the steamed dumplings on a platter and pour the tomato sauce over them. Drizzle the yogurt sauce on top and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Afghani Mantu is traditionally served with naan bread or rice.
Conclusion
Afghani Mantu is a delightful dish that brings together the flavors of tender dumplings, savory meat filling, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy yogurt. This traditional Afghan recipe is perfect for special occasions or for when you want to impress your friends and family with an authentic Afghan dish. Give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness of Afghani Mantu for yourself.
