I am quite taken with these Tibetan dumplings, which are
basically a version of Japanese gyoza, or the Chinese potsticker. They can be
pinched shut in a half circle, twisted or presented in a cute, button-like
mound with a tiny hole at the very top. They are served with intense hot
chutney or other spicy sauce. They are found fried, steamed or both, in soups,
as an appetizer or a main course. Made in the home is the best way to have
momos, but if you don’t have this option, don’t worry, as the in-town momo is
phenomenal as well. Just keep your eyes peeled in Delhi Tibet
 |
| making momo in a cafe |
 |
| many shapes of momo |
Although both veg and non-veg versions are readily available, I will only be discussing the former here…
The process is simple. Combine flour and water, knead and
let sit. Roll out thin discs, either by rolling a sheet and using a glass to
cut circles, or the more traditional method in which you pinch off balls and
roll them into discs. The dough should be thin, but not so thin that it will
break when stretched around the filling. Once you have your discs, place a
spoonful of filling in the center and pinch the sides together until they are
closed. There are a variety of different methods for folding momo; I will post
videos of the method I have learned here once I am back into the high speed
cyberzone. For now, just pinch your momo shut and call it a day.
The filling can be anything, really. Peter and Poonam used a
combination of onions, spinach, spices, oil and crumbled paneer (Indian cheese)
in theirs and it was very tasty. If you use any other cheese, vegetables,
mushrooms, etc you would still be well within the confines of momo tradition. (I
personally feel that feta would be quite nice, and I always add garlic.)
I don’t really think there are many rules here. One of the few rules is that you
should be dipping your momo into a blazing chutney of tomato, cilantro or apple
origin.
Of course, my internal GF conversion machine is calculating
its next move…but you’ll have to wait. In the meanwhile…fried, steamed or all
of the above, give traditional Tibetan momo a try!
Momos
You’ll need a flat stacking steaming pot for this recipe. The bamboo variety would be best but any flat steamer will do.
WRAPPERS
- 3 cups wheat flour
- ¾ cups water (approximately)
Drizzle a small amount of water into the flour and mix with your hands, adding more water and kneading until you have a ball that is not dry and springy to the touch. Knead this ball for an additional few minutes to bring out the gluten’s magical properties. Set aside and prepare the filling.
FILLING
- 1 onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 bunch spinach
- 1/2 pint crumbled paneer
- salt
- small amount of olive oil
Chop and mince veggies, mix together with salt to taste, a drizzle of olive oil, and the crumbled paneer. Now it is time to assemble.
ASSEMBLE & COOK
Fill the bottom tray of your steaming pot and set it to the fire so it is hot when you add the momos. Make your discs, each about 3 inches in diameter. See the above post for instructions. For the fancy and traditional version, check back later for videos of Peter making the skins, once I return to the land of high speed. Place about one tablespoon of filling into a momo, and then pinch the sides together. Get creative in the meanwhile until better instructions arrive. Arrange the momo on the steamer tray so that they are not touching eachother. Once the water is boiling, place the momo over the steam and cover. Steam for about 20 minutes. Once steamed you can pan fry them in oil to add that element, but these are just delicious steamed and eaten with the chutney sauce.
CHUTNEY SAUCE
This is Poonam, Peters wife's recipe with a definite Nepalese flair.
Toss the lot in a pan, saute until it seems super delicious.. Or, serve raw. Either way, sprinkle the juice of one lime into just before you serve.
- 1/4 cup green chillis, chopped
- 5-6 tomatoes, parboiled, peeled and chopped fine
- ghee or other oil
- salt
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