Authentic Lebanese Mansaf

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Jordanian dish of lamb cooked in a fragrant yogurt sauce, served over thin flatbread and garnished with sumac. This lebanese-inspired mediterranean ready in about 105 minutes pairs shoulder, cubed lamb, whole plain yogurt yogurt, large, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Lebanese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp dried mint, and 2 cups yogurt. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
  3. Step 3: Season 1.5 lbs lamb shoulder cubes with salt and pepper. Add to the pot and cook for 15 minutes until browned. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until the lamb is tender.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Toast 12 pieces of flatbread for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly charred.
  5. Step 5: To serve, place a piece of warm flatbread on a plate, top with lamb and sauce, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp sumac. Garnish with additional mint and yogurt if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Lebanese Mansaf take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (30 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Lebanese Mansaf?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shoulder, cubed lamb from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Lebanese Mansaf?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Lebanese Mansaf for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Lebanese Mansaf?

Lebanese mediterranean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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