Nepali momos are delicious dumplings filled with either meat or vegetables. They are quite popular in Nepal and in the areas surrounding it. The following is a traditional recipe for the preparation of Nepali momo:
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Water, as required
- For the Filling:
- 500 gm ground chicken, pork, or mixed vegetables for vegetarian momos
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped, optional
- 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Ingredients 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder 1/2 teaspoon garam masala-optional Salt, to taste 1 tablespoon oil For the Dipping Sauce (Achar) 2 medium tomatoes, roasted or boiled 2-3 dried red chilies, soaked in warm water 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced Salt, to taste 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the water and knead the dough till soft and elastic.
- Cover with a wet cloth and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a big bowl, take the ground meat or vegetables, chopped onion, minced garlic, ginger, green chilies, and cilantro.
- Add to this the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala if using, and salt to taste.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil in the mixture and mix everything together. The filling should be well combined and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Make the Momo Wrappers
- Now, divide the rested dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
- Roll each ball into a thin, circular wrapper, about 3 inches in diameter. Try to get the edges a bit thinner than the center.
Step 4: Assemble the Momos
Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the wrapper over the filling, pinching the edges together to seal. You can pleat the edges to make them look traditional, or simply press them together firmly. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Step 5: Steam the Momos Grease a steamer tray or line it with cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
Place the momos in the steamer, having them a bit apart from one another. Steam the momos with boiling water for about 10-15 minutes or until the wrappers become translucent and the filling is well-cooked. Step 6: Dipping Sauce (Achar) Preparation In a blender, combine the tomatoes—roasted or boiled, red chilies soaked, sesame seeds toasted, cilantro, garlic, and salt. Blend into a smooth paste and add lemon juice or vinegar to taste.
Finally, adjust the seasoning.
Step 7: Serving the Momos
Serve the steamed momos hot. The dipping sauce should be on the side.
Enjoy your homemade Nepali momos!