Nepali Momo (Nepalese Meat Dumplings)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Description: Discover the vibrant flavors of Nepal with this beloved dish, Nepali Momo, a delicious stuffed dumpling influenced by Tibetan cuisine. Perfectly spiced and tender, these dumplings are a favorite in Nepalese cuisine and make for a delightful meal.
Ingredients:
Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oil
Filling:
- 1 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup finely chopped green onion
- 1 cup finely chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chilies (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, and oil. Gradually add water, stirring continuously until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft yet pliable.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the wrappers.
Prepare the Filling:
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped red onion, green onion, tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, and ginger. Add the nutmeg, turmeric, curry powder, and red chilies. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the filling mixture for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld together and improves the consistency of the filling.
Assemble the Momos:
- Prepare Dough Balls: After the resting period, knead the dough briefly and divide it into 1-inch balls.
- Shape Wrappers: On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball between your palms to form a smooth ball. Flatten each ball gently with your palm into a 2-inch circle.
- Roll Out the Dough: Dust your working surface with flour. Use a rolling pin to roll each circle into a thin wrapper, about 3 inches in diameter. Ensure that the center of the wrapper is slightly thicker than the edges to maintain the dumpling’s integrity during steaming.
Fill and Shape the Dumplings:
- Add Filling: Place a tablespoon of the prepared filling in the center of each wrapper.
- Form Dumplings: Carefully bring the edges of the wrapper up around the filling, pinching and pleating as you go. Twist and pinch the pleats to seal the dumpling securely. This step is crucial for creating juicy, well-sealed momos.
Cook the Momos:
- Prepare the Steamer: Heat a steamer and grease the steamer rack well with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the dumplings on the rack, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Steam: Cover the steamer and steam the dumplings for about 10 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and the wrappers are translucent.
- Alternative Cooking Method: If you don’t have a steamer, you can cook the dumplings in lightly salted boiling water for approximately 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Optional Sautéing: For an extra touch of flavor, you may also sauté the steamed dumplings in a bit of butter until they are golden and crispy on the outside.
Serve:
- Arrange and Serve: Transfer the cooked momos to a serving plate. They are traditionally enjoyed with hot tomato achar (chutney) or any other favorite chutneys.
Enjoy the authentic taste of Nepalese cuisine with these flavorful and satisfying Nepali Momos! 🥟✨
Feel free to explore various chutneys and dipping sauces to complement these delightful dumplings, making your meal even more special.
