Introduction:
Steamed chicken momos are a popular dish in many parts of the world, especially in South Asia and the Himalayan regions. These delicious dumplings are filled with flavorful chicken and steamed to perfection, making them a healthier option compared to their fried counterparts. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make these tasty treats, along with tips and tricks to make your momos stand out. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll find this guide informative and easy to follow.
What Are Steamed Chicken Momos?
Momos are a type of dumpling, believed to have originated in Tibet and Nepal, and are now a favorite in India, Bhutan, and various other countries. The key characteristic of momos is their thin outer dough and juicy fillings, which can be customized according to your preference. Steamed chicken momos, in particular, are filled with seasoned minced chicken and vegetables, offering a protein-packed meal that is both satisfying and healthy.
Ingredients for Steamed Chicken Momos
Before diving into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make steamed chicken momos:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Water (as needed)
For the Chicken Filling:
- 250g minced chicken
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1-inch piece of ginger (grated)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh coriander (chopped)
- Optional: 1 green chili (finely chopped for an extra kick)
How to Make Steamed Chicken Momos: Step-by-Step
1. Preparing the Dough
- Mix the flour and salt: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a soft, smooth dough. Make sure the dough is not too sticky.
- Rest the dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out later.
2. Preparing the Chicken Filling
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add the finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until they become soft and fragrant.
- Combine the ingredients: In a bowl, mix the minced chicken with the sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger. Add soy sauce, black pepper, salt, coriander, and green chili (if using). Mix everything well to combine all the flavors.
3. Shaping the Momos
- Roll out the dough: Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a thin circle, about 3 inches in diameter.
- Fill the momos: Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal. You can either pleat the edges for a traditional momo look or simply fold them over and press to seal.
4. Steaming the Momos
- Prepare the steamer: Line your steamer with cabbage leaves or brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the momos in the steamer, leaving space between each one.
- Steam the momos: Steam the momos for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dough becomes translucent and the filling is cooked through.
Tips for Perfect Steamed Chicken Momos
- Don’t overfill: Be careful not to overfill the dough circles, as this can make the momos hard to seal and may cause the filling to leak out during steaming.
- Knead the dough well: Proper kneading ensures that the dough is elastic enough to hold the filling without breaking.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables give the momos a more vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste, especially if you like your momos spicy or mild.
Variations of Steamed Chicken Momos
While steamed chicken momos are delicious on their own, you can experiment with different variations to suit your taste:
- Vegetarian Momos: Replace the chicken with finely chopped vegetables like cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Spicy Momos: Add chili flakes or a spicier sauce to the filling for those who enjoy an extra kick.
- Fried Momos: After steaming, you can shallow fry the momos to get a crispy texture on the outside while maintaining the juicy filling inside.
Health Benefits of Steamed Chicken Momos
Steamed chicken momos are a relatively healthy dish, especially when compared to fried dumplings. Here are some reasons why they are a nutritious choice:
- High in Protein: The chicken filling provides a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Low in Fat: Since the momos are steamed, they contain significantly less fat compared to fried alternatives.
- Versatile and Nutritious: You can add different vegetables to the filling to boost the fiber content, making it a wholesome meal.
Dipping Sauces for Chicken Momos
Momos are often served with a variety of dipping sauces, which add an extra layer of flavor. Some popular options include:
- Spicy Tomato Chutney: A classic choice, made with tomatoes, garlic, red chilies, and vinegar.
- Soy-Vinegar Sauce: A tangy and savory dipping sauce that complements the flavors of the momos.
- Peanut Sauce: For a nutty twist, you can serve momos with a creamy peanut dipping sauce.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Making Steamed Chicken Momos
Steamed chicken momos are a delicious and satisfying dish that you can easily make at home with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, momos are sure to impress. Plus, they are a healthier alternative to fried snacks, making them a great option for those looking to enjoy flavorful food without the guilt. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover why steamed chicken momos are a favorite dish around the world!
FAQs
1. Can I freeze steamed chicken momos?
Yes, you can freeze them before steaming. Arrange the uncooked momos on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. Steam them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different compared to using all-purpose flour.
3. What dipping sauce goes best with chicken momos?
A spicy tomato chutney or soy-vinegar dipping sauce pairs perfectly with steamed chicken momos, enhancing their flavor.
4. How do I know when the momos are cooked?
The dough should turn translucent, and the chicken filling should be firm and fully cooked. It usually takes about 10-12 minutes of steaming.
5. Can I make momos without a steamer?
Yes, you can improvise by using a large pot with a lid and placing the momos on a heatproof dish or colander inside the pot above boiling water.
13 Comments
Steamed chicken momos are a delicious and satisfying dish that you can easily make at home with just a few ingredients.Thanks for sharing
Enjoy tender and juicy steamed chicken that’s perfect for a healthy meal. This simple cooking method keeps all the flavors intact while being light and nutritious!
Amazing recipe you shared this post.I will try it at home so soon.
These steamed chicken momos look absolutely delicious!
This post provide valuable insights about Steamed chicken momos are a popular dish in many parts of the world, especially in South Asia and the Himalayan regions. These delicious dumplings are filled with flavorful chicken and steamed to perfection, making them a healthier option compared to their fried counterparts.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll find this guide informative and easy to follow.
Yum! These steamed chicken momos look delicious and are a healthier snack option!
Steamed Chicken Momos are a delicious and healthy snack option, perfect for satisfying cravings without the guilt. Easy to make and packed with flavor.
Thanks for sharing such beautiful article.
Momos are sure to impress. Plus, they are a healthier alternative to fried snacks. I like it. Next time I’ll try it.
This guide on making steamed chicken momos is fantastic! The step-by-step instructions make it easy to recreate this delicious dish at home.
Steamed chicken momos are a delicious and healthy snack, packed with flavorful filling and wrapped in soft dough. Perfectly steamed, they make for a satisfying treat that’s easy to customize with various dips and sauces!
These steamed chicken momos sound absolutely delicious! I love how they’re not only tasty but also a healthier option. Can’t wait to try making them at home! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Pingback: Air Fryer Chicken Wings: Crispy, Healthy, and Easy to Make