Mantu Afghan Dumpling

If you've got lamb, green chilli and strained yoghurt, you're most of the way to this starter: about 85 minutes of cooking across 11 steps. You'll find the full ingredient list (with a scaler to change the servings), 11 steps of method, substitutions, and ideas for what to serve alongside.
You'll mainly reach for pan and saucepan. At medium difficulty across 11 steps, it's manageable with a little attention.
What you'll need
Shopping list (4)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
🔁 Unit converter
How to make it
- To prepare the dough, sift the flour with 1tsp of salt into a mixing bowl.
- Slowly mix in as much of the water is required, until a stiff dough is formed.
- Knead on a clean work surface for 5-10 minutes, until the dough is elastic and shiny.
- Cover with a damp cloth and set aside for about an hour.
- Put the chopped lamb, onions, chilli, 1 tsp salt, ground pepper and spices in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Divide the dough into 4 small balls, and roll out to a thickness of 1.5mm, cutting into 10cm squares. Into each square, place 1 heaped teaspoon of the lamb mixture.
- Take two opposite corners and bring them to join in the centre by nipping together firmly between your fingers, and then bring together to other two corners in the same manner.
- Note that the mantu should not be entirely closed, as the steam has to be penetrate and cook the filling!
- Using fat to grease the shelves of the steamer, place your mantu so that there is a small space between each one. Steam for 30-45 minutes over a medium heat.
- Meanwhile, make the tomato sauce. Heat the oil in a pan, add tomato puree, and bring to the boil. Stir and simmer on a low heat until the mantu are ready.
- Remove the mantu carefully from the steamer and place on a large, warm dish. Spoon the tomato sauce over the top, followed by the strained yoghurt, and sprinkle with chopped coriander to garnish.
You'll use: Pan · Saucepan · Steamer
Watch how it's made

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Tips & common questions
How long does Mantu Afghan Dumpling take to make?
About 85 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 11 steps and 10 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.
Recipe data for Mantu Afghan Dumpling via TheMealDB (open database). ▶ Video. Original source. Consomee adds the scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure — how we source recipes.







