Nepali Momo Steamed Dumplings (Printer-friendly)
Soft steamed dumplings with spiced filling and zesty tomato sauce
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 3/4 cup water (as needed)
→ Meat Filling
04 - 8 oz ground chicken or pork (or beef)
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1-inch fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
09 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
14 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, to taste)
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Vegetarian Filling Variation
16 - 7 oz firm tofu, crumbled or mashed
17 - 1/2 cup cabbage, finely chopped
18 - 1/2 cup carrots, finely grated
19 - Use onions, garlic, ginger, green onions, cilantro, soy sauce, vegetable oil, cumin, coriander, and chili powder from above; season to taste
→ Tomato Sesame Dipping Sauce
20 - 2 medium tomatoes
21 - 1-2 fresh red chilies (to taste)
22 - 2 cloves garlic
23 - 1/2-inch ginger
24 - 2 tablespoons roasted sesame seeds
25 - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
26 - Salt, to taste
27 - 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
# How-To Guide:
01 - In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add water, kneading to form a smooth, elastic dough. Cover and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
02 - Combine all filling ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute spices and vegetables until well incorporated.
03 - Divide the dough into 24 small balls. Roll each into a thin circle (about 3 inches in diameter). Place 1 tablespoon filling in the center. Fold and pleat edges together to seal, creating a round or crescent shape.
04 - Lightly oil a steamer basket or line with parchment paper. Arrange momos so they do not touch. Steam over boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or until dough is cooked through and filling is hot.
05 - Char tomatoes over an open flame or under a broiler until skins blister. Peel and combine with remaining sauce ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Adjust salt and spice to taste.
06 - Serve steamed momos hot with dipping sauce on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These juicy dumplings bring the warmth of Himalayan comfort food right into your home
- The combination of tender spiced filling and tangy tomato chutney creates pure magic
02 -
- The dough must rest or it will keep shrinking back when you try to roll it thin
- Do not overfill the momos or they will burst open while steaming
03 -
- Roll wrappers thin but not paper thin or they may tear during cooking
- Let finished momos rest covered with a damp towel so they do not dry out