What is Steamed Momo? Taste, Types, Ingredients, and Recipe

Steamed momo is a popular and comforting dish loved across many cultures. Among the different ways to prepare momos, steamed momos are often the most beloved. These soft, bite-sized dumplings, filled with a variety of delicious fillings and steamed to perfection, offer a light and healthy treat. Whether you’re new to momos or a long-time fan, steamed momos provide a simple yet satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal.

In this blog, we’ll explore what steamed momos are, their taste, the different types, and ingredients, along with a simple recipe to prepare them at home.

What is Steamed Momo?

Steamed momos are dumplings filled with various ingredients like vegetables, chicken, or pork, wrapped in a soft dough, and then steamed. Steaming is a healthier cooking method compared to frying, allowing the momo to retain its original flavours and textures. These steamed dumplings are popular across various regions, especially in Nepal, Tibet, and parts of India, where they are enjoyed as a quick snack, appetizer, or even a full meal.

Taste of Steamed Momo

The taste of steamed momo is simple yet packed with flavour. The dough is soft and slightly chewy, while the filling can be savoury, spicy, or mildly sweet, depending on the ingredients used. The steaming process helps the flavours of the filling infuse into the dough, resulting in a satisfying and aromatic bite. Whether you prefer a vegetarian or non-vegetarian filling, steamed momos are always a crowd-pleaser.

Types of Steamed Momo

There are several variations of steamed momo, depending on the filling and the region. Some of the most popular types include:

1. Veggie Steamed Momo: Filled with finely chopped vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions, often seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce and a spicy twist with Chilli Veggie Momo. 
2. Chicken Steamed Momo: A savoury version with minced chicken, garlic, and spices like cumin and coriander, and a spicy twist with Chilli Chicken Momo.
3. Pork Steamed Momo: A flavourful version with minced pork, sometimes paired with strong spices like fennel or star anise.
4. Paneer Steamed Momo: A vegetarian version with paneer (Indian cottage cheese), mixed with herbs and spices.
5. Jhol Steamed Momo: A variation where steamed momos are served with a spicy broth, adding an extra layer of flavour, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy the bold taste of Jhol Momo.

Each type has its unique flavour profile, and you can experiment with various fillings based on your preferences.

Ingredients for Steamed Momo

For the Momo Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup water (adjust as needed)

For the Veggie Filling:

• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• ½ cup grated carrots
• ½ cup finely chopped onions
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1 cup minced chicken
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt to taste

Steamed Momo Recipe

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • For the veggie filling, mix all the vegetables in a bowl. Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
   • For the chicken filling, mix the minced chicken with the ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, cumin, coriander, and salt.
2. Shape the Momos:
   • Once the dough has rested, divide it into small portions and roll each portion into a ball.
   • Roll each ball into a thin disc, about 3 inches in diameter.
   • Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the centre of each disc.
   • Fold the edges to form a dumpling, sealing the sides tightly to ensure the filling doesn’t spill out.
3. Steam the Momos:
   • Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil. Lightly grease the steamer basket to prevent the momos from sticking.
   • Place the momos in the steamer, leaving some space between them.
   • Steam the momos for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is fully cooked and soft to the touch.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the momos are steamed, remove them carefully from the steamer and place them on a serving plate.
   • Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce, like a spicy chutney or soy sauce.

Calories in Steamed Momo

Here is the calorie information in a table format:

These are approximate values and can vary depending on the size and specific ingredients used.

Conclusion

Steamed momos are a tasty, healthy, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With their soft, chewy dough and delicious fillings, they make for a perfect snack or meal option. Whether you like them filled with vegetables, chicken, or any other ingredient, steamed momos are sure to satisfy your taste buds. The best part is that they’re easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients and steps. Try this recipe and enjoy these comforting dumplings with your loved ones!