Jordanian gastronomy is in luck. Al-Mansaf has been recognized by the Unesco as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is one of the country's national dishes and is a symbol of festivity and brotherhood of the Jordanian people.
In addition to a rich preparation, it is a dish that unites socially at special moments such as the different festivities in Jordan. A dish that signifies the Jordanian identity and its hospitality. Besides collects much of the Jordanian landscapes on the plate. For all these reasons, UNESCO in the session on November 30, 2022 wanted to recognize Al-Mansaf as Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Al-Mansaf, the Jordanian dish of the festivities
This festive dish, so representative of Jordanian culture that has been recognized by Unesco, has Jordanian bread, rice, lamb or goat meat and jameed as its main ingredients. Jameed is a type of yogurt that is dehydrated and used for some gastronomic preparations. All the ingredients are layered and some other ingredients are added on top, depending on the area, such as almonds or nuts. Also in other areas the typical balls of bulghur, made with soaked and fried wheat along with minced meat. Later the bulgur balls are fried and can be added in the Al-Mansaf.
In addition to its richness of preparation, the greatness of the dish is that it brings everyone together socially and equally around the plate. It is a form of hospitality and a gastronomic culture that is passed down generation after generation. Although nowadays it is eaten with a spoon and a plate, it is traditional to eat it with the right hand and directly from the central plate.
