Author: Coach Sumo | Founder & CEO of Know Your Meals
Momos, also known as dim sum, are a popular street food in India that have their origins in Tibetan cuisine. These bite-sized dumplings are typically filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, and are served with a spicy tomato sauce that adds a tangy kick to their delicious flavor. Momos are a staple in many regions of India and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
History of Momos in India
Momos were introduced to India by Tibetan refugees who settled in the northeastern states of the country. They quickly became popular among locals and soon spread to other parts of India. Today, momos are a popular street food in cities across the country, from Mumbai to Delhi to Kolkata.
Types of Momos
Momos come in various shapes and sizes, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients. The most common fillings include minced meat, such as chicken or pork, as well as vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions. Cheese momos are also becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger generations.
Momos can be steamed, fried, or even baked, depending on the type of momo and the region in which it is made. Steamed momos are the most common, and are often served with a spicy tomato chutney or a tangy soy-based sauce. Fried momos, on the other hand, are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and are served with a sweet chili sauce.
Where to Find Momos
Momos can be found in many cities across India, but are most commonly found in the northeastern states, such as Sikkim, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. In cities like Delhi and Mumbai, momo stalls can be found in popular shopping areas and outside metro stations. They are also served in many restaurants and food courts. I’ve included answers to the questions that most people have about momos…
- What is momo Indian food? Momo is a popular Indian street food that originated from Tibetan cuisine. It is a type of dumpling that is usually filled with meat or vegetables and is typically served with a spicy sauce.
- What are momos called in English? Momos are also known as dim sum in English. However, the term dim sum is more commonly used to refer to a broader range of Chinese steamed or fried dumplings.
- Are momos healthy? Momos can be a healthy food choice depending on the filling and preparation method. Steamed momos filled with vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat cheeses are a healthier option than fried momos or those filled with fatty meats. However, they may contain high amounts of sodium and fat, so it’s important to consume them in moderation.
- Are momos sweet or spicy? Momos can be either sweet or spicy, depending on the sauce that is served with them. Spicy tomato chutney or a tangy soy-based sauce is the most common accompaniment for momos, but some vendors also offer sweet and sour sauce or chili sauce for those who prefer a sweeter taste.
How to Make Momos at Home
While momos are readily available on the streets of India, they can also be made at home with a few simple ingredients. Here’s my personal recipe for chicken momos:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped cabbage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 inch ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water, for kneading
- Oil, for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the ground chicken, chopped onion, cabbage, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with enough water to form a soft, pliable dough.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into small circles, about 3 inches in diameter.
- Place a small amount of the chicken filling in the center of each circle, and then fold the circle over to form a half-moon shape.
- Pinch the edges of the momos to seal them, and then steam them for about 10 minutes.
- Heat some oil in a pan, and then fry the steamed momos until they are golden brown.
- Serve the momos hot, with a spicy tomato chutney or soy-based sauce.
Momos are a delicious street food that have become a popular part of Indian cuisine, but they are also trending heavily in the United States and Europe. If you’re not ready to use my recipe and make momos yourself but want to find them in your town or city, be sure to include search terms like Tibetan food and Nepalese food in your Google search.
I’m including a steamer basket and some dumpling molders I like for those with dexterity issues in their fingers.
Prepworks Multifunctional Dough Press, Set of 3 Sizes Included – 4 inch/5 inch/6 inch