To all the foodies out there, you must have already heard about momos, haven’t you? Doesn’t the name automatically bring a smile to our faces? Yes, it does. Momos are one such food item that is loved by all. They are available in both veg and non-fat variants and are extremely delicious and healthy. Momos had their origin in Tibet but now, their popularity has spread out throughout the world. So, let us see what momos are all about and why they have become so popular throughout the world.

What are Momos and Why are They so Popular?

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 flavoured 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.

Momos 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. Also, 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 momo with a unique taste. You will also be able to store your mom for a long while. Today, 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.

The History of Momos in Tibet and Their Spread Across the World

There has been a lot of confusion regarding momo 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 momo recipe.

The traditional momos were steamed but today, they are cooked in different ways like frying, boiling, baking, steaming, and simmering. The traditional momo 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 chilli 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 favourite 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.p

How to Make an Authentic Recipe for Momos?

So, let us see how to make momo dough from scratch and add the fillings to prepare authentic momos.

For the stuffing:

You can either make veg or non-veg stuffing for yourself. For the veg stuffing, here’s what you have to do:

• 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 the 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 centre is slightly thicker.

And finally:

• 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!

The recipe for making boiled meat dumplings is also quite an easy one. Here, instead of stuffing the momo with vegetables, you will have to add minced meat. Cook the meat on a low flame with onion and garlic. Some people also add cheese and other ingredients to the mixture. You can then fill the stuffing in the dough and similarly cook them.

How to Serve & Store Momos After Cooking Them

If you are confused regarding how to serve momo soup with your momos, then let us tell you that there are different ways in which you can serve your momos. Once the momos have been cooked, place them on a beautiful plate and serve them with a bowl of momo soup. This is the most popular way to serve momos. 

The momos also go well with green chutney or ketchup. You will also be able to make use of different other chutneys for serving the momos. Some people even have the momos without any kind of ingredients at all. You may add some minced meat, vegetables and other ingredients to the momo soup to make it all the more delicious. 

You can store your momos for around three to four weeks at the max. Storing the momos from even more than that can become harmful. However, there are a few things to keep in mind while storing boiled meat dumplings and vegetable momos.

Do not keep the momos directly inside the container. It is going to stick to the base and removing the momos would be difficult. So, you can make use of parchment paper or a baking sheet and place the momos on top of it. This is especially important if you are making use of glass containers for storing the momos.

Also, do not refrigerate uncooked momos as the vegetables or the meat may get spoilt. Always cook the dumplings and then store them. You can also fridge them for days and warm them up before eating.

Conclusion & Helpful Tips

And this is how you can prepare your momos in the best way possible. Also, to help you out in preparing your momos, here we are with some tips on making authentic Tibetan-style momo recipes at home.

Make sure that the dough that you are using for preparing your momos is very firm and tight. Do not try to add more water to make your dough soft. A soft dough will never give a really good shape.

You can make modifications to your stuffing in any possible way. You can add all your favourite veggies to make the stuffing more delicious. You can also make stuffing with cottage cheese and mushrooms. This is going to make the momos delicious.

You may also add different kinds of seasoning to your momos. This is going to give the momos a really good taste. You are going to love how the outcome turns out to be.

While steaming the momos, you should try to keep some space between the dumplings. This will prevent the momos from sticking to one another. The steamer should also be of good quality. Otherwise, the momos will not be steamed uniformly.

Do not try to overfill the momos with too much stuffing. It can make the momos break. You will also find it difficult to give a perfect shape to your momos.

Do not overcook the stuffing. This can make the vegetables too moist and you will not get the actual flavour when you eat your momos. 

Always try to grease the momos properly before you add them to the steamer. This is going to prevent the momos from sticking to the pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

For how long do I need to steam the momos?

It usually takes around 6 to 7 minutes for you to steam the momos. However, it also depends on the number of momos you are steaming and the quality of the steamer. The stuffing that you are using is also going to determine the time taken to steam the momos.

How can I serve my momos?

There are different ways in which you can serve your momos. You can serve it with momo soup. Some people also use sauce and chutneys for serving the momos.

For how long will I be able to store the momos?

You can store the momos for up to three to four weeks. After that, it may be harmful to you to consume the momos.

What vegetables can I use for making the momos?

You can use any kind of vegetable as per your choice. Some of the most preferred vegetables include carrots, cabbages, beans, etc. You can also add meat along with your vegetables if you are looking for a non-veg variant for your momo.

Are momos good for children?

Yes, you can serve momos to children as well. It has a high nutritional value. It also has the required amount of calories and is good for metabolism. Momos are also easy to digest.