What is Mantu?

Mantu is a traditional Afghan dumpling dish that is made by carefully crafting small pockets of dough filled with a savory mixture. The dough is made from flour, water, and salt, and is kneaded until it becomes smooth and elastic. The filling for Mantu consists of a delectable blend of minced meat, such as ground beef or lamb, mixed with finely chopped onions, garlic, and a variety of spices like coriander, black pepper, and others. The dough is rolled out into thin circles, and a spoonful of the meat filling is placed in the center of each circle. The edges of the dough are then gathered and folded together, creating a distinctive folded shape resembling a small pouch. The prepared Mantu is then steamed using a special steaming pot until the dough becomes soft and tender, and the filling is cooked to perfection.

Mantu is typically served as a main course in Afghan cuisine. Once the dish is cooked and ready, the dumplings are arranged on a serving platter usually placed in a single layer. To enhance the flavors, a generous amount of aromatic tomato-based sauce is poured over the Mantu. This sauce is typically made with a blend of tomatoes, split peas, onions, garlic, and various spices, creating a tangy and savory accompaniment. Finally, a dollop of creamy, tangy yogurt mixture with chopped fresh coriander is served on top of the dumplings, which balances the flavors and adds a cool and refreshing element.