Mantu recipe : An Afghan delicacy

Last updated Aug 24, 2025

Mantu recipe

Mantu recipe is one of the simplest and most delicious traditional Afghan dishes, which, if cooked accurately and according to the original recipe, is positive and fashionable with all tastes.

Mantu recipe can be placed on your table as a meal or snack. You don’t have to travel to that country to eat the traditional food of every country, but you can easily prepare it at home by searching the internet. On Yummcook.com, cook the best and most delicious food in the world easily at home.

Necessary ingredients for mantu recipe

You can buy ready-made Mantu recipe paste in stores or make it at home in the amount you need.

The required fresh meat can be either sheep or cow.

Yogurt sauce ingredients

Yogurt	A cup
Garlic	1 clove
Half	A spoonful of dry mint
Salt	As needed

Mantu recipe paste ingredients

Flour	400 grams
Egg	1
Olive oil	Two spoons
Water	As needed
Salt	As needed

Necessary materials for the preparation of intermediate materials

Minced meat	500 grams
Onions	2
Garlic	2 cloves
Coriander	A small amount of fresh
Pepper	A small amount of fresh
Salt, black pepper, turmeric, coriander seeds	As needed
Olive oil	As needed

Mantu recipe

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix the flour, eggs, and salt with a little water to make a soft, smooth dough. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, adding a little water if it is too stiff. The dough should not stick to your hands, and if it is too sticky, add a little more flour.

Knead it, then cover it with a cloth and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Chop the onion and put it in some olive oil in a frying pan until soft and fried, then add the garlic and then the meat. When the meat turns brown, add salt, pepper, turmeric, and coriander. After cooking, remove it from the heat and give it time to cool down.

Step 3

Using a glass, you can cut the dough into circles or squares with a thickness of 2 mm. Wet the tips of your fingers, and after placing the ingredients in the middle of the dough, stick its edges together.

Step 4

Mix yogurt, garlic, dry mint, and some salt together.

Step 5

Boil water in a large pot and add some salt to it. Put the dough filled with ingredients in it, and after 15 minutes, take them out. You can prepare it with yogurt sauce or vegetable and tomato sauce. Serve You can use steamers.

Benefits of Mantu recipe: An Afghan delicacy

Rich in protein and calories
Due to being steamed, mantu recipe is perfectly suitable for diets

What is Mantu?

Mantu is a classic Afghan dumpling, similar to other Central Asian dishes but unique in its rich flavors and textures. The word “mantu” (also spelled “mantu rezept” in German) refers to steamed dumplings typically filled with ground lamb or beef mixed with onions and spices. The dumplings are then steamed to perfection and topped with a tangy tomato-based sauce and creamy yogurt. This combination of flavors makes mantu one of the most beloved dishes in Afghanistan and beyond.

The History of Mantu in Afghan Cuisine

The mantu Afghan dish has roots in Central Asian culinary traditions, influenced by Turkic and Mongol cultures that settled in the region centuries ago. Over time, Afghans adopted and adapted the dish, incorporating local spices and ingredients that make the recipe distinctly Afghan. Today, mantu is often served during special occasions and family gatherings, celebrated as comfort food that brings people together.

Essential Mantu Ingredients

To make authentic mantu, it’s important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the classic Afghan mantu recipe:

Dough: Flour, water, salt, and a bit of oil or egg to make a smooth, elastic dough.
Filling: Ground lamb or beef mixed with finely chopped onions, salt, pepper, and sometimes cumin or coriander.
Sauce: A tomato-based sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices.
Topping: Plain yogurt mixed with crushed garlic and a sprinkle of dried mint or sumac for extra flavor.

You can also find vegetarian alternatives for mantu food, using lentils, mushrooms, or pumpkin instead of meat.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Mantu

Here’s an easy-to-follow recipe that will help you create perfect mantu at home:

1. Prepare the Dough

Mix 3 cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt.
Gradually add 1 cup of water and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine 500 grams of ground lamb or beef with 1 large finely chopped onion, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional). Mix well.

3. Roll out the Dough

Divide the dough into small balls and roll each into thin circles about 3 inches in diameter.

4. Fill and Fold

Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal and create small dumplings.

5. Steam the Mantu

Arrange the dumplings in a steamer basket without overlapping. Steam over boiling water for 30-40 minutes until the dough is cooked and filling is tender.

6. Prepare the Sauce and Yogurt Topping

Cook a simple tomato sauce with chopped tomatoes, garlic, and onions, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Mix plain yogurt with crushed garlic and a pinch of dried mint or sumac.

7. Serve

Place the steamed mantu on a plate, pour the tomato sauce over them, and drizzle the garlic yogurt on top. Garnish with dried mint or sumac if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Mantu

Use fresh, high-quality meat for the filling to enhance flavor.
Knead the dough thoroughly for a smooth texture that holds the filling well.
Steam mantu gently and don’t overcrowd the steamer to prevent dumplings from sticking.
Customize the spices in the filling according to your taste — some prefer adding coriander or even a bit of chili for heat.
Try different yogurt toppings — some add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.

Variations of Mantu Food

While the classic mantu recipe features meat, Afghan families often adapt it for various dietary preferences:

Vegetarian mantu: Using mushrooms, lentils, or pumpkin as filling for a delicious meat-free version.
Spicy mantu: Adding red pepper flakes or chili powder for extra heat.
Sweet mantu: Some regions serve mantu with a slightly sweet yogurt sauce and pomegranate seeds for a unique twist.

Why Mantu is a Must-Try Afghan Dish

The beauty of mantu lies not only in its flavors but also in its cultural significance. Preparing mantu is often a communal activity, bringing family and friends together to share in the cooking process. The dish represents Afghan hospitality, tradition, and the blending of flavors that define the country’s cuisine.

1. What is Mantu and where does it come from?

Mantu is a traditional Afghan steamed dumpling filled with minced meat and onions, often topped with yogurt and a tomato-based sauce. It is a popular dish in Afghan cuisine.

2. How long does it take to prepare and cook Mantu?

Preparing and cooking Mantu usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes, including making the dough, preparing the filling, assembling, and steaming.

3. Can I make Mantu vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make vegetarian Mantu by substituting the meat filling with vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or pumpkin.

4. What sauces are traditionally served with Mantu?

Mantu is typically served with a garlic yogurt sauce and a tomato-based meat sauce, often garnished with dried mint or sumac for extra flavor.

In the end

Mantu recipe can be kept frozen in the freezer for up to two months and put in boiling water for 10 minutes to consume. Any food can be desirable and hearty anywhere in the world; it just needs to be cooked according to your taste. Mantu recipes easily go on a hearty journey to the taste of Afghan cuisine.