Mantu (Afghan Steamed Spiced Beef Dumplings with Garlic Yogurt & Yellow Split Peas) – Authentic Afghanistan Recipe
Kabul’s beloved celebration dumpling dish topped with savory split-pea sauce and cool mint-garlic yogurt.
- Country of Origin
- 🇦🇫 Afghanistan (South Asia, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 25 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Delicate dumpling wrappers stuffed with spiced beef and onions, Yellow split-pea tomato sauce, Garlic-mint yogurt (chaka), Ground coriander, Cumin
Ingredients for Mantu (Afghan Steamed Spiced Beef Dumplings with Garlic Yogurt & Yellow Split Peas) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) delicate dumpling wrappers stuffed with spiced beef and onions, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups yellow split-pea tomato sauce, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup garlic-mint yogurt (chaka)
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with ground coriander
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Afghanistan seasoning (cumin, dried mint, garlic)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Finely chop or mash delicate dumpling wrappers stuffed with spiced beef and onions and mix in a bowl with ground coriander, cumin, dried mint, garlic, and a pinch of salt to form a savory filling.
- Portion or fold the seasoned mixture with yellow split-pea tomato sauce into neat traditional parcels, dumplings, or patties.
- Heat a heavy skillet with oil over medium heat or bring a steamer/broth pot to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the parcels for 12–15 minutes until tender and cooked through (crisping the bottoms in the skillet if desired).
- Spoon garlic-mint yogurt (chaka) generously over the top and serve warm.