How to make Momo

Momo is a popular Tibetan and Nepalese dumpling that can be made at home with a few simple ingredients. Here is a recipe you can try:

For the dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup water (or as needed)

For the filling:

  • 1 lb ground meat (chicken, beef, pork or a mixture)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece ginger, minced
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the dipping sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (or to taste)

Instructions:

  1. To make the dough, combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add water and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
  2. To make the filling, heat a pan over medium heat and add the ground meat. Cook until browned, then add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for a few minutes more.
  3. Add the cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, cilantro, green onion, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened. Let the filling cool.
  4. To make the dipping sauce, mix together the soy sauce, vinegar, tomato sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
  5. To assemble the momo, divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball into a thin circle.
  6. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle.
  7. Bring the edges of the dough up and around the filling, pinching the edges together to seal the momo.
  8. To cook the momo, steam them in a steamer basket for about 12-15 minutes or until they are cooked through.
  9. Serve the momo hot with the dipping sauce.

Note: You can adjust the recipe to your taste or add more or less of some ingredients. You can also make the momo with a vegetable filling like grated or finely chopped carrots, beans, or cauliflower. You can also deep fry the momos for a crispy texture. Enjoy your homemade momo!