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Mansaf is a traditional Jordanian dish made with tender lamb slow-cooked in a tangy yogurt sauce, served over aromatic rice and topped with nuts.

Traditional Mansaf

Mansaf is a traditional Jordanian dish made with tender lamb slow-cooked in a tangy yogurt sauce, served over aromatic rice and topped with nuts. Perfect for special occasions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 700

Ingredients
  

For the Lamb:
  • 2 lb lamb shoulder or shank cut into large chunks
  • 1 large onion quartered
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 5 cups water
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
  • 2 cups long-grain rice
  • 3 cups lamb broth from cooking the lamb
  • 2 tbsp ghee or clarified butter
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • Salt to taste
For the Yogurt Sauce:
  • 1 ½ cups jameed dried yogurt, rehydrated
  • 2 cups water to rehydrate the jameed
  • 2 tbsp ghee or clarified butter
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt to taste
For the Garnish:
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • ¼ cup almonds slivered
  • Fresh parsley optional

Equipment

  • Large pot (for braising lamb)
  • Skillet (for frying nuts)
  • Large serving platter
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Large spoon or ladle
  • Cheesecloth (optional for straining jameed)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Lamb: In a large pot, add the lamb, onion, bay leaves, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the lamb is tender. Skim off any scum that rises to the top.
  2. Cook the Rice: While the lamb is cooking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a separate pot, heat 2 tbsp ghee over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 2 minutes. Add 3 cups of lamb broth, turmeric, and salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  3. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: In a blender or food processor, blend the rehydrated jameed with 2 cups of water until smooth. In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp ghee over medium heat. Add the yogurt mixture, cumin, and salt. Stir constantly until it thickens, about 15 minutes.
  4. Fry the Nuts: In a small skillet, heat ghee over medium heat. Fry the pine nuts and almonds until golden brown, then set them aside.
  5. Assemble the Mansaf: On a large serving platter, place the cooked rice as a base. Layer the lamb on top, and pour the yogurt sauce over the meat and rice. Garnish with fried nuts and fresh parsley.
  6. Serve: Serve hot, with flatbread on the side. Scoop up the lamb, rice, and sauce using the bread for a traditional way to enjoy Mansaf.

Notes

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
  • Variations: If you can't find jameed, you can substitute with thick Greek yogurt, but the flavor will be slightly different.
  • Safety Tip: Be careful when frying the nuts as they can burn quickly.