🌍 Country of Origin:
Jordan – Mansaf is considered the national dish of Jordan. Deeply rooted in Bedouin tradition, it's often served during weddings, religious holidays, and large family gatherings.
🍽️ What is Mansaf?
Mansaf is a traditional Jordanian lamb dish cooked in a fermented dried yogurt sauce called jameed and served over rice and flatbread (shrak). It is typically garnished with toasted nuts and fresh parsley, making it a rich and aromatic centerpiece for festive meals.
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6):
For the meat and broth:
2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 liter water (or as needed)
3 bay leaves
4 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the yogurt sauce (Jameed mixture):
2 cups dried jameed powder or
3 cups plain Greek yogurt mixed with 1 tablespoon cornstarch (as a substitute)
1 egg white (optional – helps to stabilize the sauce)
For the rice:
4.5 cups water or broth
2 tablespoons ghee or oil
Salt to taste
A pinch of turmeric or saffron for color (optional)
Garnish and base:
1/2 cup toasted almonds
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
Chopped fresh parsley
👨🍳 How to Make Mansaf – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cook the Lamb
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Pour in water to cover the meat. Add bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender. Skim any foam.
Step 2: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
– If using Greek yogurt, mix with cornstarch and egg white for stability.
Pour the yogurt into a separate pot. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously in one direction to prevent curdling.
Once it starts to simmer, add 1–2 cups of the lamb broth slowly while stirring.
Add the cooked lamb pieces to the sauce and simmer for 15–20 minutes to absorb flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
In a pot, heat ghee or oil, add the rice and stir for 2 minutes.
Add water or broth, salt, and turmeric or saffron if using.
Cover and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes until the rice is fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Spread a layer of rice over the bread.
Place the lamb pieces over the rice.
Pour some of the yogurt sauce over the top.
Garnish with toasted almonds, pine nuts, and fresh parsley.
🥄 How to Serve Mansaf
Traditionally, Mansaf is eaten by hand from a large communal platter, especially during Bedouin celebrations. Guests stand around the tray and eat using the right hand, forming small rice balls with lamb and yogurt sauce.
If you're serving it at home, you can offer individual plates with extra sauce on the side.
📖 Cultural Insight
Mansaf is more than just food – it’s a symbol of Jordanian hospitality and pride. It represents unity, generosity, and respect. Refusing a plate of mansaf in a Jordanian home is nearly unheard of—it’s a sign of friendship and honor.
📝 Final Thoughts
If you want to experience a true taste of the Middle East, Mansaf is a perfect choice. Rich in flavor, history, and culture, this dish brings people together like few others. Whether you're a curious cook or a passionate foodie, try making Mansaf and share a piece of Jordan with your loved ones.
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