Authentic Lebanese Mansaf

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Lebanese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

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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