Manto recipe

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Manto is one of the most loved dishes in Afghan cuisine. These tasty meat dumplings are often served at family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. To make Afghan Manto at home, you’ll need a multi-layer steamer and a few simple ingredients. Each dumpling is filled with spiced ground meat and topped with a flavorful carrot sauce and creamy yogurt: perfectly comforting and full of flavor.

You can also find Afghan Manto sold on the busy streets of Kabul. It’s a favorite among locals and travelers alike. At home, Manto is often made as a group activity where the whole family gets involved. While filling the dumplings, steaming, and making the carrot sauce can take some time, the final dish is always worth the effort.

Traditionally, women gather in a circle to prepare the filling. They chat, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company while working together. You can make the wrappers from scratch, or save time by picking up dumpling wrappers from your local Asian grocery store.

This dish is more than just food. It’s a shared experience filled with tradition and joy. If you haven’t tried Afghan Manto yet, now is the perfect time. It’s fun to make and even more delicious to eat.

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Things to Know Before You Make Afghan Manto

What is Afghan Manto made of?
Afghan Manto is a meat-stuffed dumpling, usually filled with ground beef or lamb. The meat is seasoned with onions and spices, then wrapped in a thin dough and steamed to perfection. It’s often topped with a savory carrot sauce and a spoonful of garlic yogurt.

How long does it take to cook Manto?
The steaming itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes. However, the full process—including preparing the filling, folding the dumplings, and making the sauces—can take 2 to 3 hours, especially if you’re working alone. To save time, you can make the sauces a day in advance. Making Manto with family or friends not only speeds things up but makes the experience more enjoyable.

Where did Manto originate?
Manto is believed to have Central Asian roots and is enjoyed in many cultures across the region, including Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and parts of Turkey. Each country has its own twist, but Afghan Manto stands out with its unique toppings and flavors.

Watch a short video on how to make Manto Recipe

What you need to make this delicious manto recipe

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EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Steamer Pot

Nonstick Skillet

Electric Food Chopper

Bowls

Serving Tray

Filling

Here is what you will need for filling:

• Grounded meat
• Onions

And for the spices you will need:

• coriander powder
• black pepper
• salt

To make the dumplings you need:

• Wonton wraps (sold in Asian Stores)
• Flour
• Water

Steaming

Once all your dumplings are done, it is time to steam them in a multi-layered steamer. You can buy it in any Asian store or online.

To steam what you will need is

• Oil for dipping
• Multi-layered steamer
• Meat dumplings

Carrot Sauce

Here is you need for the carrot sauce:

• Vegetable oil 
• onions, diced 
• tomato sauce 
• carrots, chopped
• Split chickpeas
• water

For spices you need:

• salt
• Coriander powder
• black pepper

Garlic Yoghurt sauce 

Yoghurt

Minced Garlic

Water

Serving

How to Serve Afghan Manto

Once everything is ready, it’s time to bring it all together and serve.

Use a large flat serving dish and layer the ingredients as follows:

1. Start with a layer of garlic yogurt sauce
2. Add a layer of steamed dumplings
3. Spoon another layer of garlic yogurt sauce on top
4. Sprinkle with dried mint
5. Drizzle the carrot sauce generously
6. Finish with a handful of freshly chopped coriander

This layered style not only makes it look beautiful but also ensures every bite is full of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Click here to make Afghanistan’s national dish: Kabuli Pulao Recipe

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