Authentic Afghan Mantu Recipe: Dumplings Filled with Aromatic Spices and Ground Meat

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2/3 cup of water
1 egg

For the Filling:

1 lb of ground beef or lamb
1 large finely chopped onion
2 minced garlic cloves
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Salt to taste

For the Yogurt Sauce:

2 cups of plain yogurt
2 minced garlic cloves

For the Tomato Sauce:

1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 minced garlic cloves
1 cup of tomato sauce
Salt to taste

For the Topping:

1 tablespoon of dried mint

Steps and instructions

Begin by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the water and egg. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5-10 minutes. Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, coriander, pepper, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface until it is very thin. Cut the dough into squares, each measuring approximately 2 inches.
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough square. Fold the dough over the filling to form a dumpling, pinching the edges to seal.
Steam the dumplings in a steamer for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the meat is no longer pink.
While the dumplings are steaming, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a bowl, combine the yogurt and minced garlic and mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, prepare the tomato sauce. Heat olive oil over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the tomato sauce and salt, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Once the dumplings are cooked, serve them hot with the yogurt and tomato sauces. Sprinkle the dried mint on top as a garnish.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the dough and filling.
Steamer - A steaming device to cook the dumplings.
Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Knife - To cut the dough into squares.
Spoon - To scoop and distribute the filling onto the dough squares.
Bowls - To serve the yogurt sauce and tomato sauce.
Saucepan - To cook the tomato sauce.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.

Recipe variations

Use a different type of ground meat such as chicken or turkey instead of beef or lamb.
Add finely chopped vegetables like spinach or carrots to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier crust.
Make a vegetarian version by substituting the meat with crumbled tofu or mashed chickpeas.
Add spices like cumin, paprika, or turmeric to the filling for a more flavorful twist.
Experiment with different dipping sauces such as a spicy chili sauce or a tangy tamarind chutney.
Add a sprinkle of grated cheese on top of the dumplings before steaming for a cheesy variation.
Bake the dumplings in the oven instead of steaming them for a crispy crust.
Make mini-sized dumplings for bite-sized appetizers or party snacks.
Serve the dumplings with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

Mantu is a traditional Afghan dumpling dish, beloved for its rich flavors and comforting warmth. This recipe will guide you through the process of making Mantu from scratch, including the dough, the savory meat filling, and the accompanying yogurt and tomato sauces. The dough is rolled out thin and filled with a mixture of ground beef or lamb, onions, garlic, and spices, then folded into dumplings and steamed until tender. The dumplings are served hot, drizzled with the tangy yogurt and hearty tomato sauces, and topped off with a sprinkle of dried mint. This Mantu recipe is a labor of love and the end result is a satisfying meal that is sure to impress. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and make a dish that's truly special!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Yes, you can use either ground beef or lamb for the filling. Both will work well in this recipe.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
Can I freeze the dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked dumplings for later use. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don't touch each other. Freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Mantu?
Mantu is often served with a side of yogurt sauce and tomato sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of dried mint on top for extra flavor. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Can I steam the dumplings without a steamer?
If you don't have a steamer, you can create a makeshift steamer using a large pot. Place a heat-resistant dish or colander inside the pot, making sure it sits above the water level. Arrange the dumplings on the dish or colander, cover the pot with a lid, and steam as directed in the recipe.

Serving dishes and utensils

Steamer - A steamer is essential to cook the dumplings to perfection.
Large Bowl - A large bowl is needed to mix and combine the ingredients for the dough and filling.
Rolling Pin - A rolling pin is used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Knife - A knife is needed to cut the rolled-out dough into squares.
Spoon - A spoon is required to measure and place the filling onto the dough squares.
Garlic Press - A garlic press is helpful to easily mince the garlic for both the yogurt and tomato sauces.
Saucepan - A saucepan is needed to prepare the tomato sauce.
Whisk - A whisk is useful to thoroughly combine the yogurt and garlic for the yogurt sauce.
Steaming Basket - A steaming basket can be used as an alternative to a steamer to cook the dumplings.

Origin stories

Mantu, the delightful, savory dumplings filled with seasoned meat, originate from the breathtaking landscapes of Afghanistan. They are a cherished symbol of hospitality and familial love, traditionally crafted by hand during social gatherings. The meticulous preparation is an act of devotion, as every fold is a testament to the care embedded in Afghan culture. In fact, one of the most intriguing aspects of mantu is that their shape and folding technique can be indicative of the region in Afghanistan they come from, making each dumpling a unique footprint of its origin. Shared over laughter, stories, and the wafting aroma of spices, mantu is not just a dish, but a cherished tapestry of Afghan tradition and community.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.