Mantu: Afghani Dumplings

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waivio_hivecooking2 months ago3 min read

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Explore the rich flavors of Afghan cuisine with this classic Mantu recipe. Mantu are delightful steamed dumplings filled with a savory minced beef mixture, traditionally served with a tangy yogurt sauce and a lentil topping. This dish is beloved in Afghan households and a testament to the intricate flavors of Central Asian culinary traditions.

Ingredients

🌾 3 cups all-purpose flour
🧂 1/2 tbsp salt
🫒 1½ tbsp vegetable oil
💧 Water as needed

🫒 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil
🥩 500g minced beef
🧅 700g onions, finely chopped
🌶️ 1 tsp black pepper
🌿 1/2 tsp coriander powder
🍂 1/2 tsp garam masala
🌿 1/2 tsp cumin powder
🧂 Salt to taste
🌶️ 2 finely chopped green chilies
🌿 3 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped

🍛 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
🫒 4-5 tbsp vegetable oil
🧅 1 small onion, chopped
🍅 1 cup tomato puree
🧄 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
🌶️ 1 tsp red chili powder
🌿 1/2 tsp coriander powder
🍂 1/2 tsp garam masala
🌿 1/2 tsp cumin powder
🌕 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
🧂 Salt to taste

🥛 Yogurt
🧂 Salt to taste

🍃 Dried mint

Instructions

1- Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms.
Add oil and knead for a few more minutes. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2- Prepare the Mantu Stuffing:

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, add onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add minced beef, black pepper, coriander powder, garam masala, cumin powder, salt, and green chiles. Cook until the meat is browned and fragrant.
Stir in fresh coriander leaves. Remove from heat and let it cool.

3- Prepare the Lentils:

Cook chana dal until soft, then drain and keep aside.
In a pan, heat oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add ginger garlic paste and cook for a minute.
Add tomato puree, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
Stir in the cooked chana dal and simmer for 5-10 minutes.

4- Assemble and Cook Mantu:

Roll out the dough into thin sheets and cut into squares.
Place a teaspoon of the meat filling in the center of each square. Fold into dumplings by bringing edges together to seal.
Steam the dumplings in a steamer for 30-35 minutes.

5- Prepare Sauce and Serve:

Mix yogurt with salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
To serve, place steamed mantu on a platter, spoon yogurt sauce generously over them, and top with the lentil mixture.
Garnish with dried mint. Enjoy hot.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approx. 350 per serving
Protein: 20g
Fats: 15g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Equipment: Dough bowl, Knife, Frying pan, Steamer, Mixing bowl