Keema Momos
Juicy, spiced minced meat wrapped in a delicate, thin dough and steamed to perfection. These popular street-style dumplings are a flavor-packed appetizer or snack, perfect with a fiery dipping sauce.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and 0.5 tsp salt. Add 1 tsp of vegetable oil and mix well.
- c.Gradually add lukewarm water and knead for 8-10 minutes to form a firm, smooth, and pliable dough.
- d.Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Keema Filling
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- d.Add the mutton mince and cook, breaking up any lumps with a spatula, for 7-8 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Season the Filling
- b.Stir in the soy sauce, vinegar, 0.75 tsp salt, black pepper powder, and garam masala. Mix well.
- c.Cook for another 2-3 minutes until all the moisture has evaporated and the filling is dry.
- d.Turn off the heat, stir in the chopped coriander leaves, and transfer the filling to a bowl to cool down completely.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shape the Momos
- b.After the dough has rested, knead it again for a minute. Divide it into 24 small, equal-sized balls.
- c.Dust a work surface with a little flour. Take one ball and roll it into a thin circle about 3-4 inches in diameter, keeping the edges thinner than the center.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Fill and Pleat the Momos
- b.Place about a tablespoon of the cooled keema filling in the center of the wrapper.
- c.To shape, hold the wrapper in your hand and make small pleats along one edge. Bring the pleated edge to meet the smooth edge and press firmly to seal, creating a half-moon shape.
- d.Alternatively, gather all the edges together and twist to seal, forming a small pouch. Repeat for all momos.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Steam the Momos
- b.Prepare your steamer by adding water to the bottom pot and bringing it to a boil.
- c.Lightly grease the steamer tray with oil to prevent sticking.
- d.Arrange the shaped momos on the tray, ensuring they don't touch each other.
- e.Place the tray over the boiling water, cover with a lid, and steam for 10-12 minutes.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Check for Doneness and Serve
- b.The momos are cooked when the wrappers become translucent and shiny, and feel non-sticky to the touch.
- c.Carefully remove them from the steamer and serve immediately with a spicy momo chutney or dipping sauce.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the filling is completely cool and dry before stuffing to prevent the dough from tearing and becoming soggy.
- 2Roll the wrappers thin at the edges and slightly thicker in the center to securely hold the filling.
- 3Don't overcrowd the steamer; steam in batches if necessary to allow for even cooking.
- 4The dough should be firm but pliable. If it's too soft, add a little more flour; if too hard, add a few drops of water.
- 5For a crispy bottom (Kothey style), steam for 6-7 minutes, then pan-fry them in a skillet with a little oil until the bottom is golden brown and crisp.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chicken Keema Momos
Substitute mutton mince with chicken mince for a lighter version. Reduce the cooking time for the filling slightly.
Pork MomosPork Momos
Use ground pork for a richer, more traditional Tibetan-style filling.
Vegetable Keema MomosVegetable Keema Momos
Replace the meat with finely minced mushrooms, soy granules, and cabbage for a vegetarian alternative.
Pan Fried (Kothey) MomosPan-Fried (Kothey) Momos
After steaming, pan-fry the momos in a little oil until the bottoms are golden and crisp. You can add a splash of water and cover the pan to re-steam the tops.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The mutton mince is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle building, repair, and overall body function.
Immunity Support
Ginger and garlic, used in the filling, contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help support a healthy immune system.
Energy Source
The carbohydrates from the flour wrapper provide a quick source of energy to fuel your body and daily activities.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of 6 Keema Momos contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the fat content of the mince and the amount of oil used.
