Step-by-Step Guide to Making Authentic Nepalese Momos from Scratch
Momos are a delicious and popular dish from Nepal that have gained global recognition for their flavorful taste and versatility. These little dumplings are usually filled with meat or vegetables, wrapped in dough, and steamed or fried to perfection. Momos are often served with spicy dipping sauces, which make them even more irresistible. If you’ve always wanted to make momos at home, you’re in for a treat! In this blog, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making authentic Nepalese momos from scratch in simple steps.
What You’ll Need to Make Momos
Before we start, gather the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup water (or as needed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup finely minced chicken, pork, or beef (use vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or mushrooms for vegetarian momos)
- ½ cup finely chopped onions
- ¼ cup chopped spring onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala or momo spice mix
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Cooking the Momos:
- A steamer (or a steaming rack that fits inside a pot)
- A little oil for greasing the steamer so the momos don’t stick
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add water, little by little, and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This process will take about 8–10 minutes. The dough shouldn’t be too soft or too hard—it should be pliable.
Once the dough is ready, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set it aside to rest for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Take a large mixing bowl and combine all the filling ingredients. If you’re using minced meat, make sure it’s finely chopped so the momos cook evenly. Mix everything well to ensure the spices and seasonings are evenly distributed.
Pro tip: Taste the filling before you wrap it in the dumplings! You can fry a tiny portion of the filling to test the flavor. Adjust the salt, spices, or soy sauce according to your preference.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has rested, sprinkle some flour on your work surface to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into small balls, roughly the size of a walnut. Roll each ball into thin, round discs about 3–4 inches in diameter. The edges should be slightly thinner than the center, which makes the wrapping process easier.
If rolling individual momos feels tedious, you can roll out large sheets of dough and use a circular cutter (like a cookie cutter or even a small bowl) to cut out uniform shapes.
Step 4: Fill and Shape the Momos
Place one dough circle on your palm. Add about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of the circle. Be careful not to overfill—you need room to fold and seal the edges.
Pinch one side of the dough to start shaping the momo. You can pleat the edges all around or simply fold the dough in half to create a crescent shape. The goal is to seal the momo tightly so the filling doesn’t escape during steaming.
If you’re new to folding dumplings, don’t worry about making them perfect—practice makes perfect! The simplest shape to start with is the half-moon.
Step 5: Steam the Momos
Grease your steamer or steaming rack lightly with oil. Arrange the momos in the steamer, leaving a little space between each one. Don’t overcrowd them, as they need room to cook evenly.
Steam the momos for about 10–12 minutes. If they are larger dumplings, they might need a few extra minutes. You’ll know the momos are cooked when the dough becomes translucent and slightly shiny.
Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce
A spicy dipping sauce is what makes momos so special. Here’s a quick recipe for a basic sauce:
- Blend together 2 tomatoes, 4 dried red chilies (soaked in water), 1 small clove of garlic, and a splash of oil. Add salt, pepper, and a dash of soy sauce to taste. Feel free to make it milder or hotter depending on your preference.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the steamed momos on a plate and serve them hot with your homemade dipping sauce. You can garnish the momos with chopped cilantro or spring onions for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Momos
- Experiment with Fillings: Don’t limit yourself to one filling option. Try experimenting with combinations like chicken and mushrooms or cabbage and paneer.
- Make Extra Momos: Momos are freezer-friendly! Prepare a big batch, steam some, and freeze the rest. When ready to eat, steam them straight from the freezer.
- Invite Friends: Making momos is more fun with others. Have a momo-making party and turn it into an interactive meal!
Conclusion
Making authentic Nepalese momos from scratch is easier than you might think. With some simple ingredients and patience, you’ll soon be enjoying homemade dumplings that rival any restaurant. Whether you steam or fry them, momos are perfect for family dinners, parties, or even a solo treat. Follow this step-by-step guide, and let the flavors of Nepal bring joy to your kitchen. Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!
