CHICKEN MOMOS RECIPE
Chicken Momos are popular Tibetan-style dumplings that are steamed and served as a delicious snack or appetizer. These momos are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, and spices. They are light, healthy, and can be enjoyed as part of an Indian weight loss diet when prepared with lean ground chicken and steamed instead of fried. Momos are typically served with a dipping sauce or chutney and are loved for their juicy filling and soft dumpling wrapper.
INGREDIENTS
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water (as needed)
For the filling:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add water and knead until you have a smooth and elastic dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped cilantro, soy sauce, oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls. Take one ball at a time and roll it into a thin circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter.
Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of the rolled dough circle. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pleat the edges to seal the momo. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
Steam the momos in a steamer basket for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the filling is tender.
Serve the Chicken Momos hot with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as soy sauce, chili sauce, or tomato chutney.
TIPS
- For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for the momo dough.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the ground chicken with finely chopped vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers.
- Make sure to finely chop the onions and mince the garlic to ensure even distribution of flavors in the filling.
- Adjust the seasoning and spices in the filling according to your taste preferences. You can add chili powder or chili flakes for some extra heat.
- Ensure that the momo wrappers are rolled out thinly, as thicker dough may result in undercooked momos.
- When pleating the momos, you can choose any folding technique you prefer. Pleating the edges creates a decorative look and helps seal the filling.
- To steam the momos, place them in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
- You can add a steamer rack or a steamer insert in a large pot filled with water to create a makeshift steamer if you don’t have a dedicated steamer basket.
- Serve the Chicken Momos immediately after steaming while they are hot and fresh.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces and chutneys to find your favorite accompaniment for the momos.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 2-3g
