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mantu recipe, a traditional and authentic Afghan dish

Afghan Mantu Recipe (Traditional Afghan Dumplings)

Mantu Recipe is a traditional Afghan dumpling filled with ground meat and onions, steamed, and served with yogurt and tomato sauce. A beloved Afghan comfort food is often prepared for family gatherings and celebrations.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Afghan
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Flour: 400 g
  • Egg: 1
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: to taste
  • Water: as needed
  • Minced lamb or beef: 500 g
  • Onions: 2 finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Fresh coriande: small bunch chopped
  • Fresh chili: optional
  • Black pepper: to taste
  • Turmeric: to taste
  • Ground coriander see: to taste
  • Yogurt: 1 cup
  • Garlic: 1 clove crushed
  • Dried mint: 1/2 tbsp
  • Onion: 1 for tomato sauce
  • Tomato: 2 or tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Garlic: 2 cloves for tomato sauce
  • Oil: 2 tbsp
  • Salt pepper, turmeri: to taste

Method
 

  1. Prepare Dough: Mix flour, egg, olive oil, salt, and water. Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and rest 30 minutes.
  2. Make Filling: Heat olive oil, fry onions until golden, add garlic, then minced meat. Cook until browned. Add spices and fresh coriander. Let cool.
  3. Shape Dumplings: Roll dough thin (2 mm). Cut into circles or squares. Place 1 tsp filling inside and seal edges tightly.
  4. Steam Mantu: Grease steamer rack. Place dumplings inside without overcrowding. Steam 15-20 minutes until tender.
  5. Make Yogurt Sauce: Mix yogurt, garlic, dried mint, and salt.
  6. Make Tomato Sauce: Fry onion and garlic in oil, add tomatoes or paste with spices. Simmer until thick.
  7. Serve: Place Mantu on a platter, top with tomato sauce, drizzle yogurt sauce, and garnish with dried mint or herbs.