Delicious Homemade Momos: Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

For Dough:

2 cups All-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
1 teaspoon Salt
Water, as required

For Filling:

2 cups Minced chicken
1 large Onion, finely chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
1 Green chili, finely chopped
1/2 cup Cilantro, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Soy sauce
1 teaspoon Vinegar
Salt and Pepper to taste

For Dipping Sauce:

2 Tomatoes
2 Dry red chilies
3 cloves of Garlic
Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

First, prepare the dough by mixing flour, vegetable oil, and salt. Add water gradually and knead until the dough is firm and smooth. Cover the dough and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine minced chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green chili, chopped cilantro, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
After the dough has rested, divide it into small portions and roll each portion into a ball. Using a rolling pin, roll out each ball into a thin circular shape.
Spoon a small amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinching the edges closed to seal in the filling.
Set up a steamer and place the filled momos in the steamer basket. Ensure they are not touching each other to prevent sticking. Steam the momos for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dough becomes translucent.
While the momos are steaming, prepare the dipping sauce. Blend tomatoes, dry red chilies, and garlic together in a blender until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
Once the momos are done, serve them hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - Used for mixing the chicken filling.
Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into thin circles.
Steamer - Used to steam the momos until they are cooked.
Blender - Used to blend the ingredients for the dipping sauce.
Knife - Used for chopping ingredients like onion, garlic, and ginger.
Cutting Board - Provides a surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Steamer Basket - Holds the momos while they are being steamed.

Recipe variations

Vegetable Momos - Replace the minced chicken with a mixture of finely chopped vegetables like cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Pork Momos - Substitute minced chicken with minced pork for a different flavor.
Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) Momos - Use crumbled paneer as a vegetarian filling option.
Whole Wheat Momos - Instead of using all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Gluten-Free Momos - Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make the momos suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Spicy Momos - Add extra chili or chili sauce to the filling for a spicier kick.
Steamed-Fried Momos - After steaming the momos, pan-fry them in a little oil until they become crispy and golden brown.
Cheese-Stuffed Momos - Place a small cube of cheese in the center of the filling before sealing the momos.

Recipe overview

Momos are a delicious type of South Asian dumpling, popular particularly in Nepal, Tibet, and parts of India. This Momos recipe will guide you through the step-by-step process to make these tasty treats at home. The process involves creating a simple dough, which is then filled with a flavorful chicken mixture. The momos are then steamed until they become translucent and are served with a homemade dipping sauce. The preparation of the momos involves a bit of time and effort, but the results are absolutely worth it. Whether you're looking for a unique appetizer or a main dish that's out of the ordinary, this Momos recipe could be just what you're looking for. Enjoy the process and, more importantly, enjoy your homemade Momos!

Common questions

Can I use a different protein for the filling?
Yes, you can use minced pork, beef, or even tofu as a substitute for chicken.
Can I make the momos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the momos in advance and refrigerate them. Just make sure to cover them properly to prevent drying. Steam them when ready to serve.
Can I freeze the momos?
Yes, you can freeze the momos for later use. After shaping them, place them on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Steam them directly from frozen when ready to eat.
Can I make the dough gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the dough. However, the texture may differ slightly from the traditional momos.
Can I pan-fry or deep-fry the momos instead of steaming?
Yes, you can pan-fry or deep-fry the momos for a different texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the filling?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chili used in the filling mixture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A bowl for mixing the filling ingredients together.
Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into thin circles.
Steamer - Necessary for steaming the momos to cook them.
Steamer Basket - The basket inside the steamer where the momos are placed for steaming.
Blender - Used to blend the ingredients for the dipping sauce.
Serving Plate - A plate for presenting and serving the cooked momos.
Dipping Sauce Bowl - A small bowl for serving the dipping sauce alongside the momos.
Knife - To chop and mince ingredients.
Cutting Board - A surface for safely cutting and preparing ingredients.

Origin stories

Momos, these heavenly bite-sized dumplings, are believed to have originated in Tibet and then made their way to the neighboring countries including Nepal, Bhutan and India, mainly carried by the Newar traders. These traders traveled far and wide—along the salt route in Tibet to the plains of India, and in their travels, they adopted various culinary influences. Thus, the humble Momo, much like the traders, is quite a traveler and has over time, adapted to the tastes and cultures of the places it has traveled, resulting in a variety of versions from steamed and fried to those slathered in hot and spicy sauces. Its journey and evolution are a testament to how food can traverse borders and become an integral part of the local cuisine, and indeed, the heart and soul of a culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.