It must be impossible to believe that you haven’t tried momos in your lifetime. Hardly there is any people who do not love the soft, juicy and flavourful momos. The sight of it must make your mouth salivate and for the right reasons obviously. These bite-sized delights are nothing but a mouthwatering snack that is enjoyed across India and beyond.
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Momos are considered Tibetan dumplings that have a delicious filling of meat usually chicken or pork, and delicate, steamed wrappers. Be it a wintery evening or a summer after, indulging in momos is not time-bound. These hot and steamed momos are an all-time snack that is readily available in restaurants or street-side stalls. However, nothing can be better if the momos are freshly made at home. If you are a beginner or an experienced cook, making momo is simple yet tricky. Thus, there are several tips and tricks by which you can achieve perfect momos at home.
- Master The Dough
What makes the momo a delicious treat is the dough. Achieving ideal consistency while making the dough is crucial for a successful outcome. You can start this by simply mixing all-purpose flour, water, and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until it achieves a smooth and elastic consistency. Note that the dough shouldn’t be too stiff or too soft. It should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled out and pliable enough to wrap around the filling without tearing. You can add a little water if you find the dough to be too dry or add flour if it's too wet. Keep practicing until you get the perfect balance.
- Perfect The Filling
Momo revolves around the filing, and it is essential to get it right. Traditional momo fillings are made of a mixture of ground meat, such as pork, chicken, or lamb, finely chopped vegetables, herbs, and spices. However, the advantage of making momo at home is that you can experiment with different combinations of ingredients to add a variety of flavour which you enjoy the most. Make sure to finely chop or grate the vegetables so that they are evenly cooked and don’t poke through the dough when the momos are steamed.
- Master The Folding Technique
Folding momos can be an intricate and tricky task at first but with little practice and patience you’ll eventually get the hang of it. First, roll out a small portion of dough into a thin circle and then place a spoonful of filling in the centre. Fold the edges of the dough up and over the filling, pleating as you go to create a sealed pouch. Pinch the top together firmly so that momo is tightly sealed and won’t burst open during steaming. With time, you’ll develop your own momo-making technique and become a pro in no time.
- Steam With Care
The traditional preferred cooking method for momos is steaming because it preserves the delicate texture of the dough and allows the filling to cook evenly. To perform the steaming process, place the momos in a metal steamer basket lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking, Make sure that the water is simmering gently below the steamer basket and not boiling too vigorously. Boiling water can make the momos cook unevenly or make them burst open. Steam the momos for 10-12 minutes or until the dough is cooked and the filling is tender.
- Don’t Forget The Dipping Sauce
What makes a momo elevate in its taste and flavour is the perfect dipping sauce. Traditional momo dipping sauces include a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chilli paste. But since you’re making momo and its accompaniments from scratch, don’t be scared away from experimenting. Serve the dipping sauce alongside the momos for dipping and dunking to your heart’s content.
- Experiment With Variation
You can experiment with momo fillings as you are making it at home. The traditional momos are filled with savoury meat mixture, but there are countless options you can try. Try experimenting with different fillings like vegetarian options made of tofu, mushroom, finely chopped vegetables, or sweet dessert momos filled with chocolate, coconut, or sweetened condensed milk. Make momos according to your personal taste and culinary creativity.
