Next, the rice is made with the fermented yogurt and this thick yogurt mixture is cooked with the same broth used to boil the lamb. Next, the thin bread is cut into pieces and layered at the bottom of the mansaf tray. The rice is added on top of this bread layer, followed by the lamb meat and is finally topped with more fermented yogurt sauce. It is customary to garnish with parsley and nuts.
Mansaf is connected not only to Jordan but neighboring countries in the Levant region. In case you didn't know the "Levant" refers to the countries that surround the eastern side of the Mediterranean Sea. This dish reflects the common staples in Levantine Arab cuisine that include yogurt, rice, and lamb. The yogurt comes from goat milk and the dish is associated with the historic livelihoods of Jordanians, as many were sheep herders for generations. Additionally, the Middle East (especially Jordan) is generally known for many people being part of large families. Mansaf is a dish that brings people together while everyone's bellies!
