Uzbek Manti with Pumpkin and Beef
Steamed dumplings filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, onions, and pumpkin, encased in a tender, homemade dough. Manti are a beloved staple in Uzbek cuisine, often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 large Egg
- 0.5 cup Water(plus more if needed)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 2 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1 cup Pumpkin or Butternut Squash(finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(for greasing steamer)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with 0.5 cup of water. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
- 2
Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, finely chopped pumpkin, salt, pepper, and cumin. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- 3
Roll out the dough: Divide the dough into 4-6 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion very thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). You can also use a pasta roller. Cut the dough into 4-inch squares.
- 4
Assemble the manti: Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough square. Bring opposite corners together to form a pouch, pinching to seal. Repeat with the remaining corners, then pinch all the sealed edges together to create a pleated effect. Ensure the edges are well sealed.
- 5
Steam the manti: Lightly grease the steamer trays with vegetable oil. Arrange the manti in a single layer, ensuring they don't touch. Steam over boiling water for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the filling is hot. If steaming from frozen, increase cooking time to 40-45 minutes.
- 6
Serve: Serve hot, traditionally with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Don't overfill the manti, as this can make them difficult to seal.
- ✓Ensure the steamer is well-greased to prevent sticking.
- ✓If the dough becomes dry while working, lightly mist it with water.
- ✓Manti can be frozen before steaming. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag.
🔄 Variations
- Use lamb instead of beef for the filling.
- Add finely diced potatoes to the filling.
- Experiment with different spices like coriander or paprika.