Afghan Mantu with Spiced Tomato Sauce

Mantu are traditional Afghan steamed dumplings filled with spiced ground beef and onions, served with a tangy tomato sauce. This dairy-free version maintains authentic flavors with a fragrant blend of spices and fresh herbs.

Steps

1. Prepare the dough by mixing flour and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water and knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes. 2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Mix well. 3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a thin sheet. Cut into 8cm squares. 4. Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each square. Fold the edges up to form a small pouch, pinching the corners to seal. 5. Prepare a steamer and steam the mantu for 20-25 minutes until the dough is cooked through. 6. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. 7. Add pureed tomato, turmeric, coriander, chili flakes, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens. 8. Serve mantu hot, topped with the spiced tomato sauce and garnished with chopped cilantro and green onions.

For the dough: - 100g all-purpose flour - Pinch of salt - Water (as needed, approx. 40ml) For the filling: - 100g ground beef (or lamb) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1/2 tsp ground coriander - 1/2 tsp ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro For the sauce: - 1 medium tomato, pureed - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1/2 tsp ground turmeric - 1/2 tsp ground coriander - 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional) - 1 tbsp olive oil - Salt to taste For garnish: - Chopped fresh cilantro - Chopped green onions