Momos are delicious steamed dumplings popular in Tibet, Nepal, and parts of India. They are often filled with a savory mixture of meat or vegetables and are typically served with a spicy dipping sauce. Here’s a basic recipe for making momos at home
Veg Momos Recipe
Ingredients For the Dough
For the Filling
For the Sauce (Optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add oil and mix well.
- Gradually add water, kneading the dough until it is soft and smooth.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix all the chopped vegetables.
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for a minute.
- Add the chopped vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until they are cooked but still crisp.
- Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and remove from heat. Let the filling cool.
Assemble the Momos
- Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into a thin circle (about 3–4 inches in diameter).
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal the dumpling, or pleat and pinch to create a traditional momo shape.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling
Steam the Momos
- Grease a steamer basket or line it with parchment paper.
- Arrange the momos in the steamer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Steam the momos over boiling water for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is cooked and translucent.
Prepare the Sauce (Optional)
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar or lemon juice, chili sauce, and sugar.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste. Add chopped green chilies or red chili flakes if desired.
Serve
- Serve the hot momos with the dipping sauce.
Tips:
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky. If it's too dry, add a little more water; if it's too sticky, add a bit more flour.
- Filling Variations: You can use other fillings, such as minced chicken, pork, or a combination of vegetables. Spices like cumin or coriander can be added for extra flavor.
- Cooking Method: If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a makeshift one by placing a heatproof dish on top of a pot with boiling water, with a cloth or parchment paper under the dish to prevent sticking.
Enjoy your homemade momos, a delicious and versatile treat perfect for any occasion!
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 280kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Potassium 17.5mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 4.1g2%
- Sugars 8g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Dough Consistency: The dough for momos should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water; if it’s too sticky, incorporate a little more flour. Consistency is crucial for easy rolling and shaping.
Filling Options: Momos can be filled with a variety of ingredients. Common options include minced meat (chicken, pork, or beef), tofu, or mixed vegetables. Make sure the filling is well-seasoned and not too moist to avoid sogginess.
Steaming Tips: Ensure that the momos are not touching each other in the steamer to allow even steaming. You can use parchment paper to line the steamer basket to prevent sticking.
Preparation Ahead: You can prepare the momos in advance and freeze them. To freeze, place the assembled momos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2–3 months. Steam directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the steaming time.
Healthier Options: For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for the dough and opt for less oil in the filling.