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Mantu Recipe with Afghan dumplings and yogurt sauce

Mantu Recipe

3.67 from 3 votes
Easy Afghan Mantu made with homemade dough, seasoned ground meat, onions, garlic, and flavorful spices. The steamed dumplings are served with creamy garlic yogurt and tomato sauce.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Afghan
Calories: 590

Ingredients
  

  • Dough
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • About ¾ cup water
  • Meat Filling
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground lamb
  • 2 large onions finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro optional
  • Chili pepper optional
  • Yogurt Sauce
  • 1 ½ cups plain yogurt
  • 1-2 cloves garlic
  • ½ teaspoon dried mint
  • A small pinch of salt
  • Tomato Sauce
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A pinch of turmeric
  • Cooked lentils optional
  • Fresh cilantro or dried mint optional

Method
 

  1. Make the dough: Mix flour and salt. Add the egg and oil, then gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the filling: Mix the ground meat with chopped onions, garlic, coriander, black pepper, turmeric, and salt. Add cilantro or chili if desired.
  3. Roll the dough: Divide the dough into small portions and roll each one into a thin sheet. Cut into small squares.
  4. Fill the dumplings: Place a small amount of meat filling in the center of each dough square. Fold and seal the edges carefully.
  5. Steam the mantu: Place the dumplings in a lightly oiled steamer basket, leaving a little space between them. Steam until the dough is tender and the meat is fully cooked, about 25-30 minutes.
  6. Make the yogurt sauce: Mix plain yogurt with minced garlic, dried mint, and a pinch of salt.
  7. Make the tomato sauce: Sauté the onion and garlic in oil. Add tomatoes, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Add cooked lentils if desired.
  8. Serve: Arrange the steamed Mantu on a serving plate. Top with garlic yogurt and tomato sauce, then garnish with fresh cilantro or dried mint.
  9. Notes