Mansaf, the national dish of Jordan, is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of tradition, culture, and hospitality. This iconic dish is a delicious combination of lamb, flavorful rice, and a yogurt sauce, traditionally made with jameed.

Over time, mansaf became a beloved dish not only in Jordan but also in the wider Middle East region. It's often enjoyed during special occasions, family gatherings, and weddings.

The flavors of lamb, fragrant rice, and jameed come together to create a culinary masterpiece that has been loved for generations.

Mansaf is the heart and soul of Jordanian food culture, and today, we're going to show you the secrets of cooking a perfect mansaf.

Ingredients

For cooking mansaf, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Lamb:

1. 1.5 to 2 pounds of lamb (preferably lamb shoulder or leg)
2. 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
3. 1 large onion, chopped
4. 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
5. 1 teaspoon of ground paprika
6. Salt and black pepper to taste
7. Water for boiling

Rice:

1. 2 cups of long-grain rice
2. 4 cups of lamb broth (reserved from boiling the lamb)
3. 2 tablespoons of ghee or clarified butter
4. Salt to taste

Yogurt Sauce:

1. 2 cups of plain yogurt
2. 1/2 cup of jameed (dried fermented yogurt) or use laban (cultured yogurt) as a substitute
3. 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
4. Salt to taste

Garnish:

1. 1/4 cup of slivered almonds, toasted
2. 1/4 cup of pine nuts, toasted
3. Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Now, let's get started with the step-by-step instructions for preparing mansaf:

Step 1: Preparing the Lamb

1. Rinse the lamb under cold water and place it in a large pot.
2. Add the chopped onion, vegetable oil, ground cumin, ground paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
3. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the lamb.
4. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Cover the pot and let the lamb simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it becomes tender and the meat easily falls off the bone.
6. Once the lamb is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Keep the broth for later use.

Step 2: Preparing the Rice

1. Wash the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a large pot, heat the ghee or clarified butter over medium heat.
3. Add the washed rice and stir it in the ghee for a few minutes until it's well-coated.
4. Pour in 4 cups of the lamb broth you reserved earlier and add salt to taste.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered.

Step 3: Preparing the Yogurt Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, combine the plain yogurt and jameed.
2. Whisk the mixture until it's smooth and well blended.
3. Add minced garlic and salt to taste. Adjust the consistency by adding more yogurt or water if necessary.

Step 4: Serving the Mansaf

1. To serve, start by spreading the cooked rice on a large platter or tray.
2. Place the tender lamb on top of the rice.
3. Pour the yogurt sauce generously over the lamb and rice.
4. Garnish the mansaf with toasted slivered almonds, pine nuts, and chopped fresh parsley.

Mansaf is traditionally served family-style, with everyone eating from the same platter.

Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply want to experience the authentic taste of Jordan, mansaf is a dish that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.

Indulge in the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Jordan with our jameed, the essential ingredient for preparing the iconic Jordanian dish, Mansaf.

So, gather your loved ones, prepare this classic Jordanian meal, and savor the essence of Jordanian hospitality right at your dining table.