Definition & Meaning of "mansaf"

What is "mansaf"?

Mansaf is a traditional Jordanian dish that consists of lamb cooked in a fermented yogurt sauce and served over a bed of rice. The lamb is typically cooked with a blend of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin, and is simmered in a tangy yogurt sauce made with jameed, a type of dried yogurt. The dish is often garnished with toasted almonds, pine nuts, and fresh parsley or mint. Mansaf is a festive dish that is often served during special occasions such as weddings or religious holidays, and is considered a symbol of hospitality and generosity in Jordanian culture. It is typically eaten with the hands, and guests are often encouraged to share a single large platter of mansaf to emphasize the communal nature of the dish.