Known for their impeccable taste and delight, momos is the answer to every question and the cure for everything. And especially their spicy Red Chilli Chutney is simply stellar. Momos are truly a wonder and stuff oodles of taste in the mouths. Momos have some reserved, forever die-hard fans in the northern region of India who keep coming back to them again-n-again because of their yummilicious trait. They are the best and the most favoured street food in Delhi and other cities too. Despite having a small stall in the market, they shine bright as a star, obviously because they are the crowd-favourites!
It is easy and normal to over indulge in momos. They are commonly filled with veggies, paneer, or meat. But now they are also available in chocolate, noodles, and cheese stuffing. They are tiny white steamed balls filled with mouth-watering taste.They become addictive with every time you eat them. The delicious dumplings are ruling the world. From being a cheap essential street food it has reached to each and every restaurant and hotel, small or expensive.
At first, Momos were only made with beef. Momos has a 1400 years long history and hails from Kathmandu, Nepal. It is originally a Newari food – the flourishing legacy of Newari Traders, who bought them from Lhasa in Tibet. Momos find its name from ‘Mome’ – an ancient Nepali Language, meaning cooking by steaming. Momos once were a domestic dish that has turned into a global food item. And not only that, they are loved widely. People love to eat different varieties of Momos.
Vegetable Momos
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon canola/vegetable oil
• Warm water, to steam
• 1 cup minced chicken
• 3 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 1/2 tablespoon finely grated ginger
• 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander (cilantro)
• Salt, to taste
• Hot chili sauce and soy sauce, to serve alongside
Method:
1. In a bowl, mix together flour, oil and salt.
2. Slowly pour in water and continue kneading until a soft and firm dough forms. Allow to rest for 30 minutes.
3. Filling - In a separate bowl, mix together the finely chopped vegetables- carrots, green onions, cabbage; spices- garlic, ginger, salt , white and black pepper, vinegar, soy sauce; and minced chicken. Mix well.
4. Set in the fridge for 20 minutes for the mixture to firm up.
5. To assemble, pinch off small pieces of dough and roll into circles. Place a tablespoon of the chicken filling in the center of the dough. Pull up the sides of the dough towards the middle, and fold to create a pleated design.
6. Steam in a steamer for 10 minutes and serve with hot chili sauce and soy sauce. Enjoy!
Tips:
1. You can even add more vegetables of your choice.
2. Paneer (or firm tofu) can be used for filling as an alternative to meat, for vegetarians.
Momos are a lightened up snack that are steamed and not fried, perfect for evening hunger and mid-night cravings. Say goodbye to the endless cravings with Momos!!