Kyrgyz Manti
Kyrgyz Manti are large, steamed dumplings typically filled with a mixture of finely chopped meat (often lamb or beef) and onions, seasoned with spices. They are a staple comfort food, often served with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 200 ml Warm water
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 600 g Lamb or beef, finely chopped (not ground)
- 3 large Onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds, ground
- 1 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tsp Salt(for filling)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or melted butter(for greasing steamer and serving)
- for serving Sour cream or plain yogurt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the egg and warm water. Mix until a firm, elastic dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes, then cover and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the finely chopped meat, finely chopped onions, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
💡 Tip: It's crucial to chop the meat finely rather than grinding it for the best texture. - 3
Divide the dough into several portions. Roll out each portion very thinly (about 1-2 mm thick) into a large circle or rectangle.
💡 Tip: Keep the dough covered to prevent it from drying out. - 4
Cut the dough into squares (about 10x10 cm). Place a generous spoonful of filling in the center of each square.
- 5
Fold the dough to enclose the filling, creating various manti shapes. Common methods include bringing opposite corners together, or folding like an envelope. Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent leakage during steaming.
💡 Tip: Experiment with different folding techniques, but sealing is key. - 6
Lightly grease the tiers of a steamer with oil or butter. Arrange the manti in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch each other.
- 7
Steam the manti over boiling water for 35-40 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the filling is tender.
- 8
Serve hot, drizzled with melted butter or vegetable oil, and with a side of sour cream or plain yogurt.
💡 Tip: Some people also like to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to authentic manti is the finely chopped meat and onion filling.
- ✓Don't overfill the dumplings, as they can burst during steaming.
- ✓Ensure the steamer has enough water and is boiling vigorously throughout the cooking process.
🔄 Variations
- Add a small amount of finely chopped pumpkin or potato to the filling for added moisture and flavor.
- Serve with a spicy tomato sauce instead of sour cream.
- Some variations use a dough enriched with milk instead of water.