The MOMO Legacy

WHAT ARE MOMOS?

Momos are small dumplings that are made with a stuffing of meat or vegetables wrapped in dough. Momos are mostly steamed. However, you will find fried and steam-fried variants available as well. Nowadays, people are also using different types of stuffing for their momos. Momos are intensely flavored and are loved by all. They are also an ethnic food. The dumplings are eaten on the first day of the new year in Northern China as a tradition.

Momo came into being during 420 AD and since then, it has been widely popular among the people. You will also find momos available in different variants in different cultures. They are also quite easy to prepare and can be produced at our homes. They are also a healthy snacking option. Also, there are a lot of traditional recipes of momos that you can find at an authentic traditional restaurant.

There are several reasons behind the immense popularity of momos throughout the world. They are a healthy food item for everyone. These dumplings are available in both veg and non-veg varieties. So, no matter what you are, whether you are a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, you can enjoy momos. They are also quite simple to prepare. You will be able to prepare momos at your own home with just a few ingredients and in a very short period.

Momos can be served in different ways. So, every day, you can have a different variant of momos with a unique taste. The popularity of momos has reached such an extent that it has crossed all kinds of national and communal boundaries and with each passing day, it is becoming all the more popular. You will find momos in both street side stalls as well as in fancy restaurants. You will also be able to get this dish at a pocket-friendly price.

HISTORY OF MOMOS

There has been a lot of confusion regarding Momos history but it is believed that the origin of momos dates back to as early as the 14th century. Momos were initially regarded as a Newari food and it was popular in the Kathmandu Valley. Later, it became popular in Tibet, China and as well as in far-off places like Korea and Japan. It was said that momos were introduced in Tibet by a Nepalese princess who married a Tibetan King during the latter half of the 15th century. Momos are regarded as a symbol of Tibet. It is sold in almost every street of Tibet. However, now the popularity has spread beyond the national boundaries of Tibet and it is growing popular in different corners of the world. There have also been a lot of variations in the momos recipe.

The traditional momos were steamed but today, they are cooked in different ways like frying, boiling, baking, steaming, and simmering. The traditional momos steamer was called a muck too. It was a metal utensil that had holes at the bottom. Sometimes, bamboo steamers were also used. The original momos were only made from yak and buffalo meat as vegetables were scarce in those cold regions of Tibet and Nepal. However, as the dish became popular in other regions, vegetable momos also came into being so that vegetarians could also enjoy the delicacy. Also, there are a lot of reasons that explain why momos are so popular.

Momos are also served with a clear meat soup and hot chilly sauce. If you have ever been to Nepal or Tibet, then you must have experienced the craze of momos. It is available on almost every StreetSide. It is also the oldest and the most original food of Nepal and Tibet and is a favorite food for most people of Tibet. The dumplings are also the perfect food item for people of all age groups. That is why most people regard them as the king of first food.

RECIPE OF AUTHENTIC MOMOS

FOR STUFFING

• Finely cut different vegetables including carrot, cabbage, beans, capsicum, and onion and mix them well in a bowl.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over the medium frame.
• Add some finely chopped garlic and ginger and saute them for 30 seconds. Add onions into the mixture as well.
• Add all your chopped vegetables along with 2 tablespoons of salt. Mix the vegetables well and saute them for a round 5 minutes.
• Add 1 tablespoon chilli sauce to the mixture. Add around 1 tablespoon of soya sauce and ½ tablespoon black pepper powder to the mixture.
• Mix well and turn the flame off once the vegetables have been well cooked. 

Your stuffing is ready!

FOR DOUGH

• Add 1 cup Maida, 1 tablespoon oil and salt to a bowl and mix the ingredients well.
• Prepare a soft dough with the required water and keep it aside for 10 to 15 minutes.
• After that, knead the dough again and divide it into two equal portions 
• Give the portions a cylindrical look and cut them into small portions with a knife.
• Give the small portions a round shape like a ball and then flatten them properly. You can pull them from the side so that the center is slightly thicker.

PREPRATION

• Add 1 tablespoon of filling to the centre of your dough. Do not overstuff it. Otherwise, it is going to become difficult for you to give it a proper shape.
• Lift the edges from the side and start pleating them. Try to join them at the centre and seal them well. Similarly, prepare the remaining momos.
• Grease a steam plate with some oils to prevent the momos from sticking to it. Arrange all the momos on the stream plane in an organised way.
• Heat 2-3 cups of water in a steamer or a deep vessel over the flame. Place the steamer on the stand and cover it.
• Wait for around 10 to 15 minutes so that the momos can get cooked well. You can also remove the lid to check whether the momos have been cooked properly.

And your momos are ready!