Nepali Momo – GW Recipe Box
In Nepal, momo is an omnipresent dish that captures the Nepali spirit. It can be found everywhere throughout the country and has gained popularity beyond its borders, thanks to its cheap price and unique blend of Nepali flavors. While you may be familiar with its close cousin, the dumpling, momo is distinctly Nepali and should be appreciated in its own right. Try out the recipe below for a new hearty favorite!
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 5 hungry friends
INGREDIENTS
DOUGH
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups room temperature water
- 1 pinch of salt
FILLING
- 2 ½ pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup onions, finely chopped
- 1⁄2 cup green onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley)
- 4 tablespoons minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons minced peeled ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon momo masala (or curry powder)
- 3 minced red chilies
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
DOUGH
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt and water
- Knead the dough well until it is medium-firm and flexible
- Cover and let rest for an hour
FILLING
- In a large bowl combine all filling ingredients
- Mix well, cover and refrigerate for at least an hour
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- Break off 1/2 ounce of dough and form it into a ball.
- Place the ball on a flat, floured surface and roll it into a 4-inch round circle with a rolling pin (making sure to keep the center a bit thicker than the edges).
- Cover with plastic wrap, repeat with the remaining dough
- Place a tablespoon of the filling in the middle of a prepared dough circle
- Holding the wrapper in your left hand, use your right thumb and index finger to start pinching the edges of the wrapper together
- Pinch and fold until the edges of the circle close up like a little satchel, repeat with remaining wrappers and filling
- Oil your steamer pot, fill halfway with water and bring to a boil.
- Place the prepared momo in the steamer pan, close the lid, and allow steaming until the dumplings are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Take dumplings off the steamer and serve immediately.
Alternatively, you can place uncooked dumplings directly in slightly salted boiling water and cook until done, approximately 10 minutes. Be careful not to over boil the dumplings! For a slightly less healthy, but equally delicious version, you could also pan fry in butter.
Serve with a chutney of your choosing!
