Mantuun Buuz

Mantuun Buuz Recipe from Mongolia - Beef and Onion Dumplings

Region / culture: Mongolia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mantuun Buuz is a traditional Mongolian dish that consists of steamed dumplings filled with minced meat. This dish is a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings in Mongolia, as well as a beloved comfort food for many families.

History

Mantuun Buuz has been a staple in Mongolian cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated from the nomadic lifestyle of the Mongolian people, where portable and easy-to-make foods were essential for survival. The dish has evolved over time and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

Meat filling

minced beef or mutton
medium onion
salt
ground pepper (optional)
garlic (optional)
chopped herbs (optional)
5-spices (optional)

Dough

premium wheat flour
a pinch of salt
3 lukewarm water
yeast

How to prepare

Dough

Dissolve a pinch of salt and yeast in lukewarm water, then mix in flour and knead until the dough becomes smooth and soft.
Allow the dough to rest and double in size.
Knead the dough again and cut it into small pieces (the size depends on whether you prefer small or medium mantuun buuz).
Roll the pieces into balls and let them rest in a bowl.
Sprinkle the balls with flour to prevent them from sticking together.

Meat filling

Mince beef or mutton.
You can use a Moulinex for mincing, but mantuun buuz will taste better if you mince the meat by hand using a sharp knife.
Combine the minced meat, minced onion, crushed garlic (optional), herbs (optional), and other seasonings in a bowl.
Add some water to make the filling juicy.
The next step is forming the mantuun buuz.
Roll out the dough ball into circles, leaving the center thicker than the edges.
Place the meat filling in the center of the circle and start sealing the edges with your fingers.
With mantuun buuz, the sealing process is less complicated because the seal becomes almost unnoticeable when the dough rises during steaming.
Mantuun buuz can have a round shape with an open hole in the center or can be closed like a more roundish version of hushuur.
However, open mantuun buuz will be juicier and more flavorful.
Once the forming is complete, place the mantuun buuz in a steamer and steam for 15 – 20 minutes.
Serve the steamed mantuun buuz hot.

Variations

You can use different types of meat for the filling, such as beef, lamb, or pork.
You can add vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or mushrooms to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly to achieve a smooth and soft texture.

- For a juicier filling, add a little water to the minced meat mixture.

- When forming the mantuun buuz, ensure that the edges are sealed properly to prevent the filling from leaking out during steaming.

- Steam the mantuun buuz for the recommended time to ensure that the dough is cooked through and the filling is hot.

Serving Suggestions

Mantuun Buuz can be served with a side of salad or pickled vegetables. It can also be enjoyed with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming is the traditional cooking technique for Mantuun Buuz, but you can also pan-fry or bake the dumplings for a different texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have premium wheat flour, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute. You can also use vegetable oil instead of yeast for the dough.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the Mantuun Buuz just before steaming. This dish can also be frozen before steaming for later use.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the steamed Mantuun Buuz on a platter and garnish with chopped herbs or sesame seeds for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Mantuun Buuz pairs well with a hot cup of tea or a glass of Mongolian milk tea for a complete meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Mantuun Buuz can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam the dumplings for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mantuun Buuz contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mantuun Buuz contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mantuun Buuz contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mantuun Buuz contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mantuun Buuz is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

Mantuun Buuz contains wheat and may contain traces of soy.

Summary

Mantuun Buuz is a balanced dish that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Mantuun Buuz is a delicious and nutritious dish that is loved by many. With a flavorful meat filling encased in soft and fluffy dough, this traditional Mongolian dumpling is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a hot summer day, and I had been invited to a friend's house for a traditional Mongolian feast. As soon as I walked into the kitchen, I caught a glimpse of the steaming Mantuun Buuz and my mouth began to water.

I had never heard of Mantuun Buuz before, but the tantalizing aroma of the dumplings filled with juicy meat and vegetables was enough to make me want to learn how to make them myself. I watched intently as my friend's grandmother expertly folded the dough around the filling, creating perfectly shaped dumplings that would later be steamed to perfection.

I begged my friend's grandmother to show me how to make Mantuun Buuz, and she was more than happy to share her recipe with me. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, and that each woman put her own unique twist on it.

I eagerly took notes as she explained the process to me, from mixing the dough to preparing the filling and shaping the dumplings. I learned that the key to a successful Mantuun Buuz lies in the balance of flavors and the skillful hand of the cook.

As I practiced making Mantuun Buuz in my own kitchen, I found myself adding my own touches to the recipe. I experimented with different seasonings and fillings, trying to find the perfect combination that would make my Mantuun Buuz stand out from the rest.

After many hours of trial and error, I finally perfected my own version of Mantuun Buuz. The dough was soft and tender, the filling was savory and flavorful, and the dumplings were perfectly steamed to perfection.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family and friends. They marveled at the sight of the steaming Mantuun Buuz, and eagerly took a bite, savoring the delicious flavors that burst in their mouths.

Over the years, I have continued to make Mantuun Buuz for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I make them, I am reminded of the day I first saw the recipe and was drawn to it like a magnet.

The recipe for Mantuun Buuz has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a symbol of the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that I have collected over the years. And as I pass down the recipe to future generations, I know that it will continue to bring joy and delight to all who taste it.