Manty (dumpling) is a traditional dish of Asian cuisine, similar to large dumplings or khinkali, but with unique features. They are prepared by steaming, which makes the dough tender, and the filling juicy and flavorful. The classic recipe for meat Manty (dumpling) is a combination of thin dough and a hearty meat filling, perfect for any meal. Here, we’ll share how to prepare this dish, along with useful tips and interesting facts about the dish.
History of Manty (dumpling): From Ancient Times to Today
The history of Manty (dumpling) dates back to Central Asia. According to one version, it were brought to the region from China, where similar dishes are known as baozi. Over time, the recipe adapted to local traditions, and became popular in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey.
There are many variations of Manty (dumpling): with meat, pumpkin, potatoes, or herbs. However, the classic meat version remains the most popular.
Classic Recipe: Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 g of flour
- 200 ml of warm water
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
For the filling:
- 500 g of lamb (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 3 onions
- 50 g of fat (tail fat or pork fat)
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preparing the Dough:
- In a deep bowl, mix the flour, salt, and egg.
- Gradually add the warm water, kneading the dough. It should be firm and not stick to your hands.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it “rest” for 30 minutes.
- In a deep bowl, mix the flour, salt, and egg.
- Preparing the Filling:
- Cut the meat and fat into small cubes (about 5 mm). This will preserve the texture and juiciness of the filling.
- Finely chop the onions and add them to the meat. You’ll need a lot of onions, as they provide moisture.
- Season with salt and pepper, then mix thoroughly.
- Cut the meat and fat into small cubes (about 5 mm). This will preserve the texture and juiciness of the filling.
- Forming the Manty (dumpling):
- Roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 2 mm thick.
- Cut the dough into squares, approximately 10×10 cm in size.
- Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each square.
- Fold the dough into an envelope shape or pinch the edges together to create a pouch.
- Roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 2 mm thick.
- Steaming:
- Grease the steaming baskets (or mantovarka) with vegetable oil to prevent the Manty (dumpling) from sticking.
- Arrange the Manty (dumpling), making sure they are spaced apart.
- Steam for 40–50 minutes.
Serving Manty (dumpling)
Serve hot Manty (dumpling) with sauces. Traditional options include sour cream, spicy tomato sauce, or a garlic yogurt sauce. Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or parsley for added aroma and flavor.
Useful Tips
- Meat Selection:
For the classic meat Manty (dumpling) recipe, lamb is the best choice. However, a mixture of beef and pork also works well. The key is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients.- Secret to Juiciness:
Onion is key to the juiciness of the filling. The amount of onion should be no less than half the weight of the meat.- Thin Dough:
The dough for Manty (dumpling) should be thin but not tear during steaming. A firm dough is achieved by kneading for a long time and allowing it to “rest.”- Spacing During Steaming:
To prevent the Manty (dumpling) from sticking together, make sure to space them out sufficiently in the steamer.- Freezing:
If you’ve made a large batch of Manty (dumpling), you can freeze them. Frozen Manty (dumpling) can be steamed just like fresh ones without needing to thaw.
Nutritional Value of Manty (dumpling)
The caloric content depends on the dough, filling, and how it’s served. The classic meat Manty (dumpling) recipe uses lamb, onions, and wheat dough, making it quite hearty. Below are the approximate nutritional values based on the traditional recipe.
Calories of Classic Manty (dumpling) (per 100g):
Calories: 200–250 kcal
Protein: 7–10 g
Fat: 10–14 g
Carbohydrates: 20–25 g
Factors Affecting the Caloric Content of Manty (dumpling)
- Meat:
Lamb is the most caloric choice for the filling. To reduce calories, you can use beef, chicken, or turkey instead. - Fat:
Adding tail fat or pork fat increases the fat content and overall calories. To make the dish lighter, reduce the amount of fat or omit it entirely. - Dough:
The dough made from wheat flour is a source of carbohydrates. Replacing some of the wheat flour with whole grain flour will lower the caloric content and add more nutrients to the dish. - Serving:
Sour cream, butter, or fatty sauces increase the caloric content of the finished Manty (dumpling). Instead, you can use lighter sauces, such as a yogurt-based garlic sauce or fresh vegetables.
How to Lower the Caloric Content of Manty (dumpling)
- Replace lamb with chicken, turkey, or lean beef.
- Use less fat in the filling.
- Make the dough lighter by adding whole grain flour.
- Serve with low-calorie sauces, such as garlic and herb yogurt.
Health Benefits of Manty (dumpling)
The classic meat Manty (dumpling) recipe is a nutritious dish, rich in protein and carbohydrates. It provides the body with energy, satisfies hunger, and boosts mood. Since Manty (dumpling) are steamed, they retain more nutrients and are easily digestible.
Interesting Facts
- Global Popularity:
Similar dishes to Manty (dumpling) exist in many world cuisines: in Turkey, they are called mantı; in China, they are known as baozi; and in Korea, they are called mandu. - Unique Serving Method:
In some Asian countries, this dish is served with broth made from meat stock. - Record:
In Uzbekistan, a 5-meter-long Manty (dumpling) were made by hand and cooked in a giant steamer.
Why You Should Try Making Manty (dumpling) at Home
The classic meat Manty (dumpling) recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Making it is a fun process that can become a family activity. Homemade Manty (dumpling) are always tastier than store-bought ones, as you can select high-quality ingredients and experiment with different fillings.
Additionally, Manty (dumpling) are versatile. They can be prepared for a festive table to impress guests or frozen to use as a quick dinner option on weekdays.
Manty (dumpling) are more than just a dish—they represent a rich history of taste and tradition. The time-tested this classic recipe is a great choice for a cozy family dinner or a large feast. Try making them at home and enjoy this masterpiece of Eastern cuisine!
