Momos Recipe – How to Make Perfect Momos at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

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Learn how to make delicious homemade momos with a step-by-step guide. This easy momos recipe includes making the dough, filling, shaping, and steaming – perfect for street food lovers!

Introduction: What Are Momos?

Momos are one of the most loved street foods in India and across Asia. Originally from Tibet and Nepal, momos have now become a favorite snack in India, especially in the northern and northeastern regions.

They are small dumplings made of all-purpose flour and filled with a mixture of vegetables, chicken, paneer, or meat. These soft, juicy, and flavorful dumplings are either steamed, fried, or pan-fried and served hot with a spicy red chutney.

Whether it’s Delhi’s bustling streets, Sikkim’s hills, or Mumbai’s cafes, you’ll find momos everywhere!

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make momos at home from scratch — including the dough, filling, and chutney — so you can enjoy this popular street snack anytime.

Ingredients for Momos

For the Dough:

  • All-purpose flour (maida) – 2 cups
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon
  • Water – as required
  • Oil – 1 teaspoon

For the Veg Filling:

  • Finely chopped cabbage – 1 cup
  • Finely chopped carrot – ½ cup
  • Finely chopped onion – 1 medium
  • Finely chopped spring onion – 2 tablespoons
  • Chopped capsicum – ¼ cup
  • Garlic (finely chopped) – 1 tablespoon
  • Soy sauce – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper powder – ½ teaspoon
  • Salt – as per taste
  • Oil – 1 tablespoon

Optional Non-Veg Filling:

  • Chicken (minced) – 250 grams
  • Ginger-garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
  • Soy sauce – 1 teaspoon
  • Onion (finely chopped) – 1 small
  • Salt and pepper – as needed

Step-by-Step Momos Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt.
  2. Gradually add water and start kneading the dough.
  3. Make a soft but firm dough, similar to chapati dough.
  4. Add 1 teaspoon oil and knead again for 1–2 minutes to make it smooth.
  5. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20–25 minutes.

💡 Tip: Don’t make the dough too soft; otherwise, the momos will break while steaming.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

For Veg Momos:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan.
  2. Add chopped garlic and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add onions and stir-fry for a minute.
  4. Add all chopped vegetables – cabbage, carrot, and capsicum.
  5. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes on high flame (don’t overcook; veggies should remain crunchy).
  6. Add soy sauce, black pepper, and salt.
  7. Mix well and cook for another minute.
  8. Add spring onions, stir, and turn off the flame.

Let the mixture cool completely before using it for filling.

For Chicken Momos:

  1. Heat a bit of oil in a pan.
  2. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté.
  3. Add minced chicken and cook until it turns white.
  4. Add soy sauce, onions, salt, and pepper.
  5. Stir-fry for 5–6 minutes until cooked.
  6. Cool the filling before using.

Step 3: Shape the Momos

  1. Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls.
  2. Roll each ball into a thin circle (about 3 inches in diameter).
  3. Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center.
  4. Now shape the momos – there are different styles like crescent, half-moon, or round pleated.

Classic Pleated Shape:

  • Hold the wrapper in your hand.
  • Start folding the edges, making small pleats, and bring them together at the top.
  • Seal the top tightly so that the filling doesn’t leak while steaming.

💡 Tip: Use a little water on the edges to seal if the dough is dry.

Step 4: Steam the Momos

  1. Prepare a steamer or idli cooker.
  2. Brush some oil on the steamer plate to prevent sticking.
  3. Place the shaped momos carefully, leaving space between each.
  4. Steam for 10–12 minutes or until the outer covering turns shiny and non-sticky.

💡 Tip: Don’t over-steam; otherwise, momos will turn chewy.

Momos Chutney Recipe (Spicy Red Sauce)

No momo experience is complete without the spicy red chutney!

Ingredients:

  • Dried red chilies – 6–8
  • Tomatoes – 2 medium
  • Garlic – 4–5 cloves
  • Salt – as per taste
  • Lemon juice – ½ teaspoon
  • Water – as required

Preparation:

  1. Boil red chilies and tomatoes for 5 minutes.
  2. Peel the tomato skin once cooled.
  3. Add tomatoes, red chilies, garlic, and salt to a blender.
  4. Blend to a smooth paste.
  5. Add lemon juice and mix well.

💡 Optional: You can add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce for a tangy twist.

Types of Momos You Can Try

Momos come in many forms — each with a different cooking style and taste. Here are some popular varieties:

1. Steamed Momos

The most traditional version — light, juicy, and healthy.

2. Fried Momos

Deep-fried for a crispy outer layer and soft inside. Perfect for those who love crunch.

3. Pan-Fried (Kothey) Momos

Half-steamed and half-fried — crispy on the bottom and soft on top.

4. Tandoori Momos

An Indian twist! Grilled in tandoor with spicy masala coating — smoky, flavorful, and irresistible.

5. Cheese Momos

A fusion version stuffed with cheese and veggies — creamy and cheesy inside.

6. Chocolate Momos

A dessert version where momos are filled with melted chocolate or Nutella — a perfect sweet surprise!

Health Benefits of Momos

While momos are considered street food, homemade momos can actually be quite healthy if prepared with less oil and fresh ingredients.

  • Low in calories: Especially the steamed ones.
  • High in fiber: Thanks to the veggies.
  • Customizable: You can choose healthy fillings like tofu, paneer, or chicken breast.
  • Easy to digest: When not deep-fried.

💡 Tip: For a healthier version, use whole wheat flour instead of maida.

Pro Tips for Perfect Momos

  1. Don’t overfill the wrapper — it may burst while steaming.
  2. Seal edges tightly to avoid leaks.
  3. Use fresh vegetables — don’t use watery fillings.
  4. Serve hot — momos taste best when freshly steamed.
  5. Add vinegar or chili oil for extra flavor.

Storage Tips

  • Uncooked momos: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
  • Cooked momos: Store in a covered bowl and steam again for 3–4 minutes before serving.
  • Freezing: Momos can be frozen for 1–2 weeks. Just steam directly when needed — no need to thaw.

Serving Suggestions

Serve momos hot with:

  • Spicy red chutney
  • Mayonnaise dip
  • Chili oil or soy sauce
  • A hot cup of soup (like thukpa)

For parties, you can serve a momo platter with different varieties — steamed, fried, and tandoori.

Conclusion

Momos are more than just a snack — they’re a comfort food for millions. Making momos at home is not just fun but also lets you experiment with different fillings and styles.

With this easy step-by-step momos recipe, you can recreate your favorite street-style momos right in your kitchen.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, steam up the kitchen, and enjoy delicious homemade momos with spicy chutney today!

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