Entree: Kyrgyzstan – Northern Culinary Region – Манты ➤ Manti (Central Asian steamed dumplings filled with spiced lamb and onion)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 50 min

Cook 45 min

Additional 30 min

Total 2 hrs

Ingredients

- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, plus more for filling seasoning
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water, plus extra as needed
- 1 large egg (optional for richer dough)
- 1 lb 2 oz (500 g) ground lamb
- 2 large onions, very finely chopped — about 2 cups (300 g)
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt for filling, adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil or melted lamb fat
- 3 tbsp (45 g) unsalted butter, melted for serving
- 1 cup (240 g) plain yogurt or sour cream for serving
- 1 tbsp (15 g) chopped fresh dill or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the dough: in a large bowl combine flour and 1 tsp salt. Add warm water and egg if using, mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling: in a bowl combine ground lamb, finely chopped onions, cumin, pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp oil or melted fat. Mix thoroughly so onions release juices and seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Roll out dough into a long rope and cut into golf-ball-sized portions (about 24 pieces). On a floured surface, roll each portion into a thin circle about 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) across.
4. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Gather the edges up and pinch or twist into a small topknot, leaving a short opening at the top so steam can circulate, or fold into a flat-nest shape according to regional style.
5. Arrange manty in a single layer in a steamer basket or multi-tiered steamer, leaving space between dumplings. Steam over boiling water 35–45 minutes until dough is tender and filling fully cooked.
6. To serve, drizzle melted butter over hot manty and offer plain yogurt or sour cream on the side. Garnish with chopped dill or cilantro if desired.