Discover the flavors of Nepal with this authentic Momo recipe! These delicious Nepali dumplings are filled with your choice of seasoned meat or vegetables, then steamed or fried to perfection. Perfect as a snack or a main dish, Momo is a must-try recipe for lovers of dumplings. Follow our step-by-step guide to make this traditional Nepali dish at home.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for the dough)

- 1/2 cup water (for the dough)

- 250g ground meat (chicken, beef, or pork) or 1 1/2 cups finely chopped vegetables (cabbage, carrots, mushrooms)

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1-inch piece ginger, grated

- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp oil (for frying)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (optional for color)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and water. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

  - In a separate bowl, mix the ground meat or chopped vegetables with onion, garlic, ginger, green chilies, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and cilantro. If using turmeric, add it for color. Combine well.

Shape the Momo:

  - Divide the dough into small balls and roll each into a thin circle (about 3 inches in diameter).

  - Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the edges together and pinch to seal, forming a dumpling.

Cooking Options:

  - Steaming: Arrange the momos in a steamer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other. Steam for 10-12 minutes or until the dough becomes translucent.

  - Frying: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the momos until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Serve:

  - Serve hot with a side of dipping sauce, such as tomato achar or soy sauce mixed with chili.

Enjoy your homemade Nepali Momos, whether steamed or fried!

Nutritional Values

All-purpose Flour (2 cups)

  - Calories: About 455 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 95 grams

  - Fat: 1.2 grams

  - Protein: 13 grams

Benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and some protein. It's the base for making the dough.

Water (1/2 cup)

 - Nutritional Values: Minimal calories and nutrients.

Benefits: Hydrates and binds the flour to form dough.

Ground Meat (250g) or Finely Chopped Vegetables (1 1/2 cups)

Ground Meat (Chicken, Beef, or Pork):

  - Nutritional Values (per 100g of chicken breast, cooked):

   - Calories: About 165 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

   - Fat: 3.6 grams

   - Protein: 31 grams

Benefits: High in protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Also provides B vitamins and iron.

Finely Chopped Vegetables (1 1/2 cups)

   - Calories: About 35 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 8 grams

   - Fat: 0.5 grams

   - Protein: 1.5 grams

Benefits: Provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Low in calories and fat.

Onion (1, finely chopped)

  - Calories: About 40 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

  - Fat: 0.1 grams

  - Protein: 1 gram

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and manganese.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

  - Calories: About 5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0.2 grams

Benefits: Contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Ginger (1-inch piece, grated)

  - Calories: About 80 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 18 grams

  - Fat: 0.8 grams

  - Protein: 1.8 grams

Benefits: Contains gingerol, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Green Chilies (2, finely chopped, optional)

  - Calories: About 40 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

  - Fat: 0.4 grams

  - Protein: 2 grams

Benefits: Adds spiciness and contains vitamins A and C, and capsaicin which may boost metabolism.

Soy Sauce (2 tbsp)

  - Calories: About 10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Protein: 1 gram

Benefits: Adds umami flavor and contains small amounts of protein and minerals.

Oil (1 tbsp, for frying)

  - Calories: About 120 kcal

  - Fat: 14 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Used for cooking, adds necessary fats.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

 - Nutritional Values: Minimal calories and macronutrients.

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Salt should be used in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Fresh Cilantro (finely chopped, optional)

  - Calories: About 1 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants.

Turmeric Powder (1/2 tsp, optional)

  - Calories: About 8 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1.8 grams

  - Fat: 0.2 grams

  - Protein: 0.2 grams

Benefits: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful and balanced dish with various nutritional benefits.