World Flavors Cookbook

Mantu

Name: Mantu
Cook time: 45 min
Cuisine: Afghanistan
Ingredients: 500g Ground Beef or Lamb, very lean; 500g Onions, finely chopped (crucial for texture); Wonton wrappers or fresh dough circles; 1 cup Yogurt, mixed with garlic and dried mint; 1/2 cup Yellow split peas, cooked; Tomato paste, garlic, cumin, coriander; Dried mint for sprinkling

Steamed dumplings filled with spiced ground meat and onions, topped with a thick yogurt sauce (Chaka) and a split-pea tomato gravy.

Cuisine: Afghanistan

Ingredients

500g Ground Beef or Lamb, very lean
500g Onions, finely chopped (crucial for texture)
Wonton wrappers or fresh dough circles
1 cup Yogurt, mixed with garlic and dried mint
1/2 cup Yellow split peas, cooked
Tomato paste, garlic, cumin, coriander
Dried mint for sprinkling

Instructions

Mix raw ground meat with onions, salt, and black pepper. The onions provide all the moisture.
Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each dough wrapper. Fold into the characteristic cross-over shape.
Steam in a multi-tiered steamer for 40-45 minutes. Grease the trays well to prevent sticking.
Make a quick tomato gravy with garlic, tomato paste, and split peas.
To serve: Spread garlic yogurt on a large plate. Arrange Mantu on top. Drizzle more yogurt and the split-pea gravy. Garnish with plenty of dried mint.