Traditional Afghan Mantoo Recipe: Delicious Dumplings from the Heart of Afghanistan

Ingredients

  • For the Dough:
    • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp of salt
    • 1 cup of water
  • For the Filling:
    • 500g of ground beef
    • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
    • 1 cup of cooked and drained yellow split peas
    • 1 tsp of ground coriander
    • 1 tsp of black pepper
    • 1 tsp of salt
  • For the Tomato Sauce:
    • 1 can of chopped tomatoes
    • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp of salt
    • 1 tsp of ground black pepper
    • 1 tsp of dried mint
  • For the Yogurt Sauce:
    • 2 cups of plain yogurt
    • 1 clove of garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp of dried mint
  • For Garnishing:
    • Dried mint
    • Ground black pepper

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add water while kneading until a smooth dough is formed, then cover and set aside for 30 minutes.
  2. For the filling, heat a pan over medium heat and cook the ground beef until brown. Add onions and garlic, cook until the onions are translucent. Add the cooked split peas, coriander, black pepper, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
  3. Divide the dough into small balls, then roll each ball into a flat circle. Put a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle, then fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
  4. Place the filled dumplings in a steamer, cover, and steam for about 20 minutes.
  5. While the dumplings are steaming, make the tomato sauce. In a pan, cook the garlic until it is fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and dried mint. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
  6. For the yogurt sauce, mix the yogurt, garlic, and dried mint in a bowl. Set aside.
  7. Once the dumplings are done, remove from the steamer. Pour the tomato sauce and yogurt sauce over the dumplings. Sprinkle with dried mint and black pepper for garnishing.
  8. Serve the Mantoo hot.

Tools for making

  • Large mixing bowl - Used for mixing the dough and other ingredients.
  • Pan - Used for cooking the ground beef and onions for the filling.
  • Steamer - Used for steaming the filled dumplings.
  • Spoon - Used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
  • Rolling pin - Used for rolling out the dough into circles.
  • Knife - Used for chopping onions, garlic, and other ingredients.
  • Cutting board - Used as a surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Garlic press - Used for mincing garlic.
  • Saucepan - Used for making the tomato sauce.
  • Bowl - Used for mixing the yogurt sauce.

Recipe variations

  • Alternative Filling Options:
    • Ground lamb or chicken instead of beef
    • Vegetarian option: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms or a mixture of cooked lentils and vegetables
  • Alternative Crust Options:
    • Whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier crust
    • Gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities
  • Seasoning Variations:
    • Add spices like cumin, turmeric, or paprika to the filling for extra flavor
    • Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the filling for a burst of freshness
  • Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve Mantoo with a side of salad or steamed vegetables
    • Drizzle a spicy chili sauce or a tangy yogurt-tahini sauce on top

Recipe overview

Mantoo is a traditional Afghan dumpling dish that is savored with delight for its unique blend of flavors. This dish is prepared with homemade dough stuffed with seasoned beef and yellow split peas, then steamed to perfection. The dumplings are served smothered in a tangy tomato sauce and a creamy yogurt sauce, sprinkled with dried mint and pepper for that extra kick. Although the process can be a bit time-consuming, the end result is a plate of scrumptious dumplings that make every minute worth it. This recipe guides you through the process in an easy-to-follow manner, allowing you to bring this cultural delicacy right to your own dining table. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground lamb or ground chicken if you prefer.
  2. Can I use pre-made dumpling wrappers instead of making the dough from scratch? Yes, you can use pre-made dumpling wrappers if you prefer to save time.
  3. Can I freeze the Mantoo dumplings? Yes, you can freeze the dumplings after they are assembled. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
  4. How do I reheat the frozen Mantoo dumplings? To reheat frozen Mantoo dumplings, steam them for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
  5. Can I make the tomato sauce and yogurt sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make both sauces ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just make sure to warm them up before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the dough and combining ingredients.
  • Pan - A cooking pan for browning the ground beef and cooking the filling.
  • Steamer - A steamer for cooking the dumplings until they are tender.
  • Spoon - A utensil for scooping and mixing ingredients.
  • Rolling Pin - A tool for rolling out the dough into flat circles.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for chopping onions and garlic.
  • Garlic Press - A tool for mincing garlic cloves.
  • Serving Platter - A large platter for arranging and serving the Mantoo.

Origin stories

Mantoo, a delicious and hearty dumpling dish, is beloved across Afghanistan and Central Asia. But did you know its roots stretch back to the Silk Road, those ancient trade routes that once crisscrossed Eurasia? As the story goes, the dish was brought to the region by Mongol horsemen in the 13th century. Instead of using chopsticks, they would simply scoop up these tasty morsels with their hands, savoring the rich flavors after a long day's travel. Nowadays, mantoo is a cherished staple at festive gatherings and family meals, symbolizing the connections and journeys that have shaped Afghanistan's rich culinary heritage.

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.