📝 About This Recipe
Mantugai is the beloved, bite-sized sibling of the classic Afghan Mantu, specifically designed for the bustling street food stalls of Kabul. These delicate dumplings are filled with savory spiced beef and onions, then steamed to perfection before being smothered in a rich split-pea tomato gravy and a tangy garlic yogurt sauce. What sets Mantugai apart is its smaller, 'pop-able' size and the vibrant, messy layers of flavor that define the ultimate Afghan comfort snack.
🥗 Ingredients
The Filling
- 500 grams Ground Beef (lean, finely ground)
- 4 large Yellow Onions (finely minced and squeezed of excess moisture)
- 1 tablespoon Ground Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin (ground)
The Wrappers
- 1 package Wonton Wrappers (thin, square or round)
- 1/4 cup Water (for sealing the edges)
The Tomato & Split Pea Sauce (Qurma)
- 1/2 cup Yellow Split Peas (soaked for 2 hours and pre-boiled until tender)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
The Yogurt Sauce (Chaka)
- 1.5 cups Greek Yogurt (plain, full fat)
- 2 cloves Garlic (crushed into a paste)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Mint
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Dried Mint (for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (optional for heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Prepare the filling by combining the raw ground beef, minced onions, coriander, black pepper, cumin, and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly by hand until the spices are evenly distributed; the onions should be almost equal in volume to the meat.
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2
Lay out a few wonton wrappers at a time. Place a small teaspoon of the meat mixture in the center of each wrapper. Do not overfill, as Mantugai are meant to be small.
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3
Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Bring two opposite corners together and pinch, then repeat with the other two corners to create a square pouch. Finally, pinch the adjacent corners together to form the signature 'mantu' shape.
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4
Lightly oil the tiers of a steamer basket to prevent sticking. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer, ensuring they do not touch each other.
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5
Steam the dumplings over boiling water for 25-30 minutes. The wrappers should become translucent and the meat inside fully cooked.
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6
While the dumplings steam, prepare the tomato sauce. Heat oil in a small pan, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add tomato paste, turmeric, and a splash of water. Stir until fragrant.
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7
Add the pre-boiled split peas to the tomato sauce. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld. Season with salt.
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8
Prepare the yogurt sauce by whisking together the yogurt, garlic paste, dried mint, and salt. If the yogurt is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to reach a pourable consistency.
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9
To assemble, spread a thin layer of the yogurt sauce on a large serving platter or individual shallow bowls.
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10
Carefully place the hot steamed dumplings over the yogurt layer.
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11
Ladle the tomato and split pea sauce generously over the center of the dumplings.
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12
Drizzle the remaining yogurt sauce on top and garnish with a heavy dusting of dried mint, fresh cilantro, and chili flakes for a beautiful street-style finish.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always squeeze the liquid out of your minced onions using a paper towel or cheesecloth to prevent the filling from becoming soggy. If using store-bought wonton wrappers, keep them covered with a damp cloth while working so they don't dry out and crack. For an authentic street taste, use more onions than you think—they provide the essential sweetness and moisture to the beef. If you don't have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a colander placed inside, covered with a tight lid. Don't skip the dried mint; it is the signature aromatic that defines Afghan Mantu flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of Afghan flatbread (Naan-e-Afghani) to scoop up the extra sauce. Pair with a hot cup of cardamom-infused green tea to cleanse the palate between bites. A side of 'Salata' (finely diced cucumber, tomato, and onion salad) adds a refreshing crunch. Provide extra 'Chutney Sabz' (spicy green chili and coriander dip) for those who like an extra kick of heat.