Mantu

Mantu
Afghanistan
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Ingredients

  • For the Dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
  • For the Filling:
  • 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • For the Yogurt Sauce:
  • 2 cups plain yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • Salt to taste
  • For the Tomato Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead until you get a smooth and elastic dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix the ground beef or lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground black pepper, paprika, salt, and chopped parsley until well combined.

Prepare the Yogurt Sauce

In a bowl, mix the plain yogurt with the minced garlic, dried mint, and salt. Set aside.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Stir in the tomato sauce, ground turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Shape the Mantu

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until very thin. Cut the dough into 3-inch squares. Place a small spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each square.

Bring the corners of the dough together and pinch to seal, forming small packets.

Steam the Mantu

Place the mantu in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Steam for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the meat is done.

Serve

Place the steamed mantu on a serving platter. Spoon the garlic yogurt sauce over the mantu, followed by the tomato sauce. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy your meal!