Momos are Nepal’s beloved steamed dumplings, filled with aromatic meat or vegetables and served with a punchy tomato achar for dipping.
A simple flour wrapper and juicy filling make these dumplings approachable at home. Fold them into half-moons or pleated purses, then steam until tender.
Keep the wrappers covered with a damp towel while shaping. Dry wrappers crack at the pleats and allow the filling juices to escape.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with tomato achar, cilantro, and a cup of butter tea or black tea. Add a cucumber salad for a lighter meal.
Recipe Notes
Uncooked momos freeze well on a lined tray. Steam them straight from frozen, adding several minutes to the cooking time.
Nepalese Momo Dumplings with Tomato Achar
Tender steamed Nepalese dumplings filled with seasoned chicken, cabbage, ginger, garlic, and scallions.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Bamboo steamer
- Food processor
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup water plus more as needed
- 1/2 tsp salt for the dough
- 1 lb ground chicken or pork
- 1/2 cup finely shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup scallions thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Tomato Achar
- 2 ripe tomatoes quartered
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
Make the Dough and Filling:
- Mix the flour, water, and salt into a smooth dough. Knead for 5 minutes, cover, and rest for 20 minutes.
- Combine the ground chicken, cabbage, scallions, cilantro, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl.
Shape and Steam:
- Roll the dough into a rope and cut it into 24 pieces. Roll each piece into a thin round, keeping the center slightly thicker than the edge.
- Add a spoonful of filling to each wrapper, pleat or fold to seal, and arrange in an oiled steamer basket. Steam over simmering water for 12 to 15 minutes.
Make Achar and Serve:
- Blend the tomatoes, sesame seeds, lime juice, cumin, and a pinch of salt into a textured sauce.
- Serve the hot momos immediately with the tomato achar.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the steamer; leave space between dumplings so steam can circulate.
- Vegetarian momos work well with finely chopped cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, and tofu.
Nutrition
Calories: 62kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 4gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 140mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g