Steaming Momos: Electric Rice Cooker Method

Momos are a popular street food in the northern parts of India. They are dumplings made from flour with a savoury stuffing. The stuffing can be made with vegetables, seafood, chicken, or paneer. It is very easy to make momos at home, except for the shaping part, which requires some practice. You can steam momos in an electric rice cooker.

Prepare the dough

To prepare the dough for momos, you will need refined flour, salt, sesame or vegetable oil, and water.

First, sift the flour and salt together. Mix them together with the oil until well-blended. Then, add water gradually and keep kneading until you get a pliant dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes while you work on the filling.

The dough should be similar in consistency to that of a poori. Adding oil to the dough will make the outer layer of the momos softer.

Get the filling ready

The filling for momos can be made with vegetables, seafood, chicken, or paneer (cottage cheese). Here is a simple vegetable filling you can make:

• Shred one cup of cabbage, grate 1/4 cup of carrot, slice half a cup of capsicum and onion, and mince one teaspoon each of ginger, garlic, and green chilies (adjust to your taste).
• Heat two teaspoons of sesame or vegetable oil in a pan.
• Add all the vegetables to the pan and saute for about five minutes on medium heat. You want them to soften but still retain their crunch.
• Turn off the heat and season the vegetables with salt and pepper.
• Let the filling cool before assembling the momos.

You can also add other vegetables like radish, mushrooms, or paneer to the filling. If you like Chinese flavours, add a splash of soy sauce to the filling.

Shape the momos

Shaping the momos is an art that comes with practice. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you shape your momos like a pro:

First Technique:

• Roll out the dough into a thin circle, about 3-4 inches in diameter. The edges should be thin, and the centre should be thick.
• Apply water with your fingertip or a small pastry brush towards the circumference. This step is optional but helps seal the edges.
• Place 2-3 teaspoons of vegetable stuffing in the centre.
• Lift one side of the edge and start pleating. You can refer to online videos to perfect this step.
• Join all the pleats in the centre.

Second Technique:

• This technique is easier and faster. Place the stuffing in the centre and bring the edges together.
• Join the edges to shape the momo like a gujiya or karanji. You can stop here or proceed to the next step for a more traditional look.
• Bring both ends together and join them.

Once you have shaped all your momos, keep them covered under a moist napkin until you are ready to steam them. Remember, the shaping technique can be different for different types of momos, so feel free to experiment and find the one that works best for you!

Steam the momos

To steam momos in an electric rice cooker, you will need to prepare the dough, get the filling ready, and shape the momos before steaming them.

Prepare the dough

Mix the flour, salt, and oil in a bowl. Gradually add water and knead until you get a smooth, pliable dough. Cover the dough and set it aside while you prepare the filling.

Get the filling ready

Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Add garlic and the white part of the spring onion. Stir for a minute. Add the chopped vegetables and sugar. Continue to saute for another minute. Add salt, pepper, and soy sauce, and mix well. Finally, add the green part of the spring onion and mix for a minute over medium heat. Turn off the heat and keep the filling aside.

Shape the momos

Roll the dough into a large disc and use a lid to cut out smaller discs. Roll out the smaller discs to make them thinner. Place some of the filling in the centre of each disc. Fold and shape the momos.

Place the shaped momos in the electric rice cooker, ensuring they are spaced properly. You can use a greased plate or a steamer basket if available. Fill the rice cooker with water until it reaches just below the lowest tier of the steamer basket or plate. Do not put the whistle on the cooker; the vent should be open to allow steam to escape. Turn the heat to high, cover the cooker, and steam the momos for about 15 minutes.

Your momos are now ready to be served! Enjoy them hot with a spicy chilli chutney or sauce.

Serve with a dip

Momos are best served with a spicy dip. Here are some ideas:

Green Chutney

This chutney is made with fresh cilantro, mint leaves, garlic, and spices. Squeeze in some lemon juice for a citrusy kick.

Chilli Oil

Infuse hot oil with red chilli flakes, lots of garlic, and salt. Drizzle over the hot momos.

Herb Cream Cheese Dip

A dip loaded with flavours, this is made with cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and fresh herbs.

Sriracha Sauce

This hot sauce is a great substitute for red chilli sauce.

Mayonnaise

For those who can't eat spicy food, mayonnaise is a good option. It's rich and creamy in texture and taste.

Tomato and Chilli Chutney

This chutney is made with tomatoes, dry red chillies, garlic, and ginger. It's a sin to serve momos without this hot chilli dip!

Frequently asked questions