Spiced Afghan Mantu Dumplings with Tomato Yogurt Sauce

Name: Spiced Afghan Mantu Dumplings with Tomato Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: All-purpose flour; Warm water; Salt; Vegetable oil; Ground beef or lamb; Onion, finely chopped; Garlic, minced; Ground cumin; Ground coriander; Salt and pepper; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Plain yogurt; Crushed tomatoes; Olive oil; Paprika; Cayenne pepper; Salt; Dried mint; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Red chili flakes

Traditional Afghan Dumplings with a Spiced Twist

Mantu are delightful Afghan dumplings, traditionally filled with a savory ground meat mixture and served with a flavorful tomato yogurt sauce.

2 h 30 min
6
Advanced

Ingredients

For the Dumpling Dough

All-purpose flour

3 cups

Warm water

1/2 cup

Salt

1 teaspoon

Vegetable oil

1 tablespoon

For the Filling

Ground beef or lamb

1 lb

Onion, finely chopped

1 large

Garlic, minced

2 cloves

Ground cumin

1 teaspoon

Ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon

Salt and pepper

to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup

For the Tomato Yogurt Sauce

Plain yogurt

2 cups

Crushed tomatoes

1 can (14 oz)

Olive oil

1 tablespoon

Paprika

1 teaspoon

Cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon

Salt

to taste

For Garnish

Dried mint

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Red chili flakes

to taste

Preparation

Preparing the Dumpling Dough

Combine dry ingredients

In a bowl, mix the flour and salt.

Add water and oil

Gradually add warm water and oil, mixing until a dough forms.

Knead and rest

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Ensure the dough is fully rested to achieve optimal elasticity. Use a pasta maker to roll the dough evenly thin.

Preparing the Filling

Mix filling ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cilantro, salt, and pepper.

Stir to combine

Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.

Chill

Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cooking Process

Dumpling Assembly

Roll out the dough thinly and cut into 3-inch squares or circles. Place a small portion of filling in each, fold, and seal edges tightly.

Steaming the Mantu

Arrange dumplings in a steamer basket and steam over simmering water for 30-35 minutes.

Steam over low–medium heat for best results.

Making the Sauce

In a saucepan, heat olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in paprika and cayenne. Add yogurt off the heat, season with salt, and stir well.

Cook the sauce on medium–low heat to prevent curdling.

Plating & Serving