Manty

Manty Recipe - Authentic Asian Lamb Dumplings

Region / culture: Asia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Manty is a traditional Central Asian dish that consists of steamed dumplings filled with a savory mixture of ground lamb, onions, and spices. These delicious dumplings are a popular dish in countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

History

Manty has been a staple in Central Asian cuisine for centuries, with variations of the dish being enjoyed by different cultures in the region. The dish is believed to have originated in the nomadic tribes of Central Asia, where it was a convenient and portable meal for travelers.

Ingredients

Filling

1.5 lb (680 g) of lean ground lamb
1.5 cup of finely chopped onions
2 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
6 tbsp of butter

Dough

1.5 cup of flour
1.5 cup of water
0.25 cup of finely chopped fresh dill leaves or fresh mint
0.25 cup of unflavored yogurt

How to prepare

To prepare the filling, combine the ground lamb, chopped onions, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Use a wooden spoon to beat the mixture until well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, pour the flour and create a deep well in the center. Pour in the water.
Vigorously mix the ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Gather the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
On the floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle with a thickness of approximately 0.06 inch.
Using a 4.5 inches cookie cutter, cut out 18 to 20 circles from the dough. Spoon about 5 tsp of filling in the center of each circle.
Place 1 tsp of butter on top of each circle and bring the sides of the circles together in the middle, enclosing the filling.
Moisten your fingers with water, pinch the top closed, and twist it to form a small pouch.
To steam the manty, pour enough water into a large kettle so that it reaches about 1 inch up the side.
Bring the water to a boil over moderate heat and place a colander into the kettle.
Put the manty in the colander, cover the kettle securely, and reduce the heat.
Steam the manty for 15 minutes, then transfer them to individual bowls or a large serving bowl.
Sprinkle the manty with dill or mint and serve with yogurt. They can be served as an accompaniment to soup or enjoyed alone as a light luncheon dish.

Variations

You can substitute the ground lamb with ground beef or ground chicken for a different flavor.
Add different spices such as cumin, paprika, or coriander to the filling for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during steaming.

- Use a cookie cutter to ensure that the dough circles are uniform in size for even cooking.

- Steam the manty over low heat to ensure that the dough cooks through without becoming tough.

Serving Suggestions

Manty can be served with a side of yogurt or a simple salad for a complete meal. They can also be enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming is the traditional method of cooking manty, but you can also bake them in the oven for a crispy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh mint, you can use dried mint or other herbs such as parsley or dill.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling and dough ahead of time and assemble the manty just before steaming.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the steamed manty on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Manty pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a tangy tomato salsa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover manty in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam the manty for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of manty contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of manty contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of manty contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of manty contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Manty contains wheat and dairy allergens.

Summary

Manty is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Manty is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. With a flavorful filling and tender dough, these steamed dumplings are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Manty. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother, a treasured heirloom passed down through the generations. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on the handwritten notes next to the recipe for Manty. It was clear that this dish held a special place in my family's culinary history.

Manty is a traditional Central Asian dish, consisting of steamed dumplings filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and spices. The recipe called for ingredients such as lamb, onions, garlic, and various herbs and spices. It seemed like a labor-intensive dish to make, but I was determined to learn the art of making Manty.

I decided to seek out the wisdom of my grandmother, who was a master in the kitchen and knew how to cook up a storm. She had learned to make Manty from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own touch to make it their own.

I remember the day I asked my grandmother to teach me how to make Manty. She smiled warmly and agreed, saying that she was proud to pass on this family tradition to me. We gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, the aroma of spices filling the air as we worked side by side.

My grandmother guided me through each step of the process, showing me how to knead the dough for the dumplings, how to shape them into little pockets, and how to fill them with the seasoned meat mixture. She shared stories of her own childhood, of helping her mother in the kitchen and learning the art of cooking from a young age.

As we worked, my grandmother revealed that the secret to making delicious Manty was in the spices. She showed me how to grind the herbs and spices together to create a fragrant mixture that would infuse the dumplings with flavor. She also taught me the importance of patience, as Manty required time and care to prepare properly.

After hours of preparation, we finally placed the filled dumplings in a steamer and watched as they cooked to perfection. The steam rose in wisps from the pot, carrying with it the tantalizing scent of the savory dumplings. My mouth watered in anticipation as we waited for them to be ready.

When the Manty were finally cooked, my grandmother and I sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The dumplings were tender and juicy, the meat filling bursting with flavor. Each bite was a taste of tradition, a connection to my family's past and a promise of its future.

As I savored the Manty, I realized that cooking was more than just a way to nourish the body. It was a way to connect with my roots, to honor the traditions of those who came before me. And in that moment, I knew that I would continue to pass on the recipe for Manty to future generations, preserving a piece of my family's history for years to come.