Momo

Name: Momo
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup water, plus more as needed; 1/2 lb ground chicken; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/4 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp chopped cilantro; 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Steamed dumplings with a spiced chicken filling, pleated by hand and dunked in tangy tomato achar — Nepal’s beloved street snack.

⏱ 40 minPrep time

🔥 15 minCook time

🍽 4Servings

🏷 AppetizerCategory

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Momo came to Nepal from Tibet generations ago and became a national obsession. Vendors fold them by the dozen on Kathmandu street corners, and families argue amiably over whose filling is best. The classic version is steamed, with juicy ground chicken, ginger, garlic, and a warm dusting of cumin and coriander inside a soft, pleated wrapper. At home they mark celebrations and lazy afternoons alike, and no Nepali menu feels complete without them. Some versions are fried, some come swimming in soup, but the steamed classic is the one everyone comes back to.

Pillowy parcels with a spiced-meat heart

The wrappers are tender and slightly chewy, steamed just until they turn translucent, while the filling stays moist and fragrant. Each bite carries a gentle heat from fresh ginger and a savory depth that begs for a dunk in tomato achar. Folding the pleats takes a little practice, but uneven momos taste just as good. Make a big batch — they disappear fast, especially when the achar is on the table.

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Step by stepInstructions

Mix the flour and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Add the water gradually and knead into a smooth, soft dough. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
In another bowl, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and cilantro. Mix well.
Knead the dough briefly, then roll it into a log and cut into 20 pieces. Roll each piece into a 3-inch circle, keeping the edges slightly thinner than the center.
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Pleat the edges together and pinch to seal into a little pouch.
Oil the steamer basket and arrange the momos without touching. Steam over boiling water for 12 minutes, until the wrappers look translucent and the filling is cooked through.
Serve hot with tomato achar or chili sauce.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Keep the wrappers covered while you work so they do not dry out. If the dough tears while pleating, dip your fingers in water and press the edges together again.

Recipe details

Prep40 min

Cook15 min

Servings4

CategoryAppetizer

PublishedAugust 17, 2026

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

Momo

Pillowy parcels with a spiced-meat heart

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💡 Chef tips & storage

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Momo

Pillowy parcels with a spiced-meat heart

Step by stepInstructions

💡 Chef tips & storage

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Recipe details

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

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