In Afghan culture, in many rural areas, where medical facilities are either absent or less accessible, people often rely on the long-standing healing methods. Mullahs play a key role by performing dam rituals, where they recite prayers while blowing the breath of healing. They are compensated for writing ta’wiz, healing prayers inscribed on paper, which can be dissolved in water for consumption or sewn into leather or cloth to be worn around the patient’s neck (Women, Culture, and Health in Rural Afghanistan., 2002). There is also a prevalent tradition of using herbal and homeopathic medicines, commonly sold in bazaars and known as "Greek" remedies such as Unani medicine which involves treatments like herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and spiritual practices.

Women, Culture, and Health in Rural Afghanistan. (2002, November). Expedition Magazine 44, no. 3. Retrieved from https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/women-culture-and-health-in-rural-afghanistan/#:~:text=Traditional%20Healing%20Practices&text=Mullahs%20perform%20dam%20rituals%2C%20blowing,worn%20around%20the%20patient's%20neck

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2018). Refugee Patients in Primary Care.

World Health Organisation. (2019). Refugee and migrant health. Retrieved from WHO: https://www.who.int/health-topics/refugee-and-migrant-health#tab=tab_3

Refugee Health guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from Australian Refugee Health Guide: https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Medicine, I. S. (2021, September 09). Information about our Afghan community. Retrieved from https://medicine.iu.edu/blogs/uncategorized/information-about-our-afghan-community#:~:text=Eye%20contact%20should%20be%20kept,and%20sincerity%20in%20the%20greeting

Recipe(Seddiq, 2022):

Ingredients for the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1.25 cups water (adjust as needed)

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 1 lb ground lamb (or beef)

• 2 cups finely diced onions

• 1 spicy green chili

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp ground coriander

• 1 tbsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp black pepper

Ingredients for the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• ¼ cup finely diced onion

• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 tbsp white vinegar

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

 Preparation Steps:

• Dough:

1.     Combine flour, salt, and oil in a bowl. Gradually add water while mixing until the dough forms a stretchy consistency. Knead for about 6-7 minutes by hand or 4 minutes with a mixer.

2.     Let the dough rest while preparing the filling.

• Filling:

1.     Mix ground lamb, diced onions, green chili, and spices until well combined.

• Sauce:

1.     Heat oil in a pan. Sauté the onion until soft. Add tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices, simmer for 5 minutes, then set aside.

• Assembly of Dumplings:

1.     Divide the dough into four portions. Roll out one portion into a thin rectangle. Cut into squares.

2.     Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each square. Pinch opposite corners together to form the dumplings.

3.     Grease a steamer basket and arrange the dumplings inside. Steam for 30-35 minutes.

• Serving:

1. Serve the steamed Mantoo on a platter, topped with reheated tomato sauce and yogurt sauce and garnished with cilantro. (Seddiq, 2022).

Seddiq, M. (2022, 11 03). Mantu Recipe – Afghan Dumpling. Retrieved from Afghan cooks: https://afghancooks.com/mantu-recipe-afghan-dumpling/

Afghan Music. (n.d.). Retrieved from World Music Central: https://worldmusiccentral.org/world-music-resources/musician-biographies/afghan-music/#:~:text=Musical%20instruments%20include%20rubab%20(lute,dambura%20lute%2C%20and%20tabla%20drums