In Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine, momo are a sort of steamed-filled dumpling that are also well-liked in India and Bhutan. While most Nepalese momo are spherical, like baozi, most Tibetan momo are half-moon-shaped, like jiaozi.
Various South Asian cuisines influence the sauce known as lal tikhat chutney, which commonly serves momo. It can also be cooked as soup variations called jhol momo, where the broth is made from a blend of tomatoes, sesame seeds, chillies, cumin, and coriander, or mokthuk from boiling pork or buffalo bones mixed with various herbs and vegetables.
The dumpling delicacy has become a national rage. While one could always find them in restaurants, momo truly became a hit after they debuted on the streets and soared directly into the hearts of people.
There were very few momo stands ten years ago, but these days it's impossible to walk down a street without seeing at least one vendor selling the popular delicacy. Why should you fall behind when other cafés and restaurants are trying to add their own unique twist to this treat in an effort to capitalise on the buzz?
Momo Fillings To Try
Tofu And Pasta Momo
Everyone loves tofu and pasta. The addition of tofu and pasta to the filling simply enhances the taste of the momo. The taste of boiled tofu and noodles inside the momo is truly divine. The unique quality of tofu and pasta momo gives a chewy delicious flavour. Season tofu and pasta together, substituting the veggies for the filling with the same spices.
Cauliflower Stuffing
The unique quality of cauliflower momo is their healthfulness, in addition to their deliciousness. Everyone adores the momo. Grated cabbage is a delicious filling for momo. Typically, people fill momo with shredded cabbage. Most people don't like to eat cabbage but it surely helps with the taste of momo, making it a popular classic filling.
Read More: Do's And Don'ts Of Making Momo At Home
Chilli Filling And Momo Sauce
Known by most as C. momo, it's simply an ordinary momo dipped in a fiery sauce. This is your greatest option, if you're willing to try something hot and spicy. You won't be sorry if you give this a try. The fillings also contain a lot of chilies to intensify the spice if that's your preference, based on your tolerance for heat. You can also add chilli crisps to take it further.
Chocolate Momo
You've seen it in a number of restaurants; although some of you bravely jumped, others are still hesitant. Any new recipe for momo is worth trying. Put some dark chocolate, pitted cherries, and castor sugar within the wanton sheet or dough. To prevent the dumpling from breaking and steaming, gently fold it. Top with chocolate sauce and serve. This filling served as a great chewy dessert similar to rice cake.
Mango Momo
Compared to the conventional vegetarian and non-vegetarian momo, this dish is unique and intriguing. You can simply combine mango juice, cardamom, almonds, and sugar to make mango momo, a delicious dessert. Try stuffing the dumpling wrapper with this delicious filling and wrapping the momo in various ways to make them seem prettier.
Pork Filling
Pork filling is a popular choice for momo. It is rich and savoury. The minced pork is typically marinated in a flavorful sauce that includes ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, and Chinese five-spice powder. The pork filling can be served on its own or paired with other fillings, such as vegetables or seafood.
Beetroot Filling
The combination of the beetroot's sweetness and the spices gives momo an unique and flavorful filling. It is a great alternative to food colouring too. It's better for those who are looking for a healthy and delicious vegetarian momo filling. You can use a combo for themed parties and kid’s get together.
Soya Filling
Don’t like veggies in your momo? Soya filling is a healthy and protein-rich choice for momo. It's made with soya chunks that are marinated in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Soya filling can serve as a great alternative to vegetarians and vegans.
All-purpose flour dumplings with a mixed veggie stuffing constitute what are known as momo. Its reputation for having a mild flavour stems from the stuffing or filling. For this reason, filling is very essential for momo. Try all the filling ideas mentioned above to explore new tastes!