Afghan mantu

Description

Afghan mantu, one of the most beloved dishes of the Afghan people, consists of meat and onion stuffed dumplings, either a thick yogurt and garlic sauce or chakkah (strained yogurt), and a tomato-based sauce. Traditionally, fresh pastry or wonton wrappers are first stuffed with a filling made from ground lamb or beef meat and minced onions, and then shaped to form a dumpling that is cooked by steaming. The dish is arranged in the following manner: on a large plate first comes a spread of yogurt and chopped mint as a base, then a layer of dumplings, topped with yet another layer of chakkah . The tomato-based sauce is left for the final layer, usually containing either split peas, kidney beans, or ground meat.