My mother makes manti at every family event, a traditional Turkish dish that melted into the diverse culture of Uzbekistan. Manti are the centerpiece of the table and the representation of proud labor, love, and respect, involving an intensive 4 hours of making several dozen individually formed large dumplings stuffed with lamb, beef or pumpkin. My mother immigrated to America from Uzbekistan in the 1990s, and as a symbol of her loving, hard-working character, she brought over her 70-year-old manti pot passed down to her by her grandmother, who taught her the secrets of the dish. During these difficult times, my mom makes special foods like manti more often. As my family sticks close to each other to get through, I am feeling closer to my culture than ever before, appreciating manti and other Uzbeki dishes with great intensity. I appreciate all the work my mother puts into everything she makes. She considers every detail, and every time I bite into the mouthwatering dish of manti or others such as pilaf or borscht, I know it pays off. I am able to focus more now on how unique and beautiful my culture is by being immersed in it in my home, and although this is not an easy time, tasting my mother’s cooking every day makes it all that much better.
 

– Max Kurant

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant