Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Momos (are NOT Chinese)

Now many people call and identify Momos as something from Chinese cuisine but I believe that'd be injustice with Tibetan cuisine right?? Momos are NOT Chinese, they are Tibetan and if you want the authentic ones, go to McLeodganj (India) and there you will find vendors selling momos on busy market streets.

But I must warn, you gonna fall in love with that place like I did and miss it terribly all the time. The beautiful atmosphere, surroundings, monks, ppl, food and all.. Damn I miss all that. Beautiful memories hurt :(

Oh well now back to our Momos. They have yummy bready outer layer and very tasty filling. Herez the recipe..

1/2 kg white flour
1 tsp yeast (baking powder wont do that justice)
300ml lukewarm water

Mix the yeast in water and set aside for 10 mins and then knead the flour with it. Now some people are more comfortable with hard dough but i usually prefer soft.

Veg Filling:

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 medium cabbage finely chopped
1 large carrot grated
2 medium onions finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt
6 tbsp oil
1/4 tsp black pepper
dash of vinegar


Heat the oil in a wok and add garlic and onions. Add bell pepper, carrot and cabbage after few seconds, followed by salt and black pepper.


Ginger & potato:
3 med potatoes, peel, grate squeeze out water
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp sping onion (green only)
1 tbsp garlic
1 tbsp coriander fresh
1 tsp salt
pinch of black pepper powder
4 tbsp oil
a dash of vinegar

1. blanch the potatoes in boiling water, strain and set aside to cool.
2. heat oil in a wok and add ginger, garlic and onions.
3. add salt, pepper. followed by other veggies and vinegar.
4. turn off the heat after couple of minutes. remember we shudnt completely cook the veggies as they gonna get steamed too.

Preparing momos:
1. Roll the dough thin as rolling flat bread, it should be 4-5 inch in diameter.
2. Place some filling (same or little lesser quantity as dough) in the center, bring the edges together and twist a lil to seal it (as shown in image)
3. Steam for 10-15 minutes and serve hot with momos sauce.


You can even make meat momos, just use minced lamb or goat meat. simply boil or saute and add instead of potatoes.