Kyrgyz Pumpkin Manti
A delightful vegetarian variation of the classic manti, these steamed dumplings are filled with a sweet and savory mixture of pumpkin, onions, and spices. They are typically served with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Pumpkin(peeled, seeded, and finely diced)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 400 g Flour
- 180 ml Water(lukewarm)
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- for serving Sour cream or Yogurt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the diced pumpkin, chopped onions, vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pumpkin is diced very finely for even cooking. - 2
Make the dough: In a separate bowl, combine flour and 1 tsp of salt. Gradually add lukewarm water, mixing until a stiff dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- 3
Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion very thinly into a circle (about 10 cm in diameter).
💡 Tip: Keep the remaining dough covered to prevent drying. - 4
Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the pumpkin filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal, creating various manti shapes (e.g., half-moon, pleated).
💡 Tip: Ensure the manti are well-sealed to prevent filling from leaking. - 5
Lightly grease a steamer basket or the tiers of a steamer. Arrange the manti in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other. Steam for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and slightly translucent.
- 6
Serve the pumpkin manti hot, with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on the side.
💡 Tip: A drizzle of melted butter can also be added.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a food processor to finely chop the pumpkin and onions can save time.
- ✓If you don't have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a colander placed over boiling water, covered tightly with a lid.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warmer flavor profile.
- Some recipes include a small amount of finely chopped walnuts for added texture.