Paneer Momos
Delicate, steamed dumplings filled with a savory mixture of crumbled paneer and mild spices. This popular Indo-Chinese street food is a perfect appetizer or light meal, best enjoyed with a spicy dipping sauce.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough
- b.In a mixing bowl, combine the maida (all-purpose flour), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp of neutral oil.
- c.Gradually add lukewarm water and knead for 5-7 minutes to form a smooth, firm, and pliable dough. It should not be sticky.
- d.Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Paneer Filling
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- e.Add the crumbled paneer, soy sauce, white vinegar, black pepper powder, and the remaining 3/4 tsp salt. Mix everything well and cook for 2 minutes.
- f.Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped coriander leaves. Transfer the filling to a bowl and allow it to cool completely.
- 3
Step 3
- 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.Take one ball, dust it lightly with flour, and roll it into a thin circle of about 3-4 inches in diameter. Ensure the edges are thinner than the center.
- d.Place about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of the cooled paneer filling in the center of the wrapper.
- e.To shape, bring the edges together and start pleating. Pinch the top to seal it tightly, creating a small pouch or a half-moon shape.
- f.Place the shaped momos on a plate, ensuring they don't touch, and keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Steam the Momos
- b.Prepare your steamer by adding water to the bottom pot and bringing it to a rolling boil.
- c.Generously grease the steamer tray with the remaining 1 tsp of oil to prevent the momos from sticking.
- d.Arrange the momos on the greased tray, leaving at least an inch of space between each one to allow for expansion.
- e.Place the tray in the steamer, cover with a lid, and steam on medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes.
- f.The momos are cooked when they develop a translucent, shiny skin and are no longer sticky to the touch.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Carefully remove the momos from the steamer and serve immediately.
- c.Enjoy them hot with a side of spicy momo chutney, schezwan sauce, or a simple soy-vinegar dip.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the dough is firm but pliable. A soft dough will make the momos sticky and difficult to shape.
- 2Roll the wrappers as thin as possible, especially at the edges, for a delicate texture.
- 3Do not overfill the momos, as they might break open while steaming.
- 4For extra flavor and to prevent sticking, you can line the steamer tray with cabbage leaves before placing the momos.
- 5Make sure the filling has cooled down completely before you start filling the wrappers to prevent them from becoming soggy and tearing.
- 6If you don't have a steamer, you can use a deep pot with a lid and place a metal colander or sieve over boiling water, ensuring the water doesn't touch the colander.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Wrapper
Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour (atta) or a 50/50 mixture for a more fibrous and nutritious wrapper. The texture will be slightly denser.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, and spring onions to the paneer filling for extra nutrients and crunch.
Tandoori FlavorTandoori Flavor
Marinate the crumbled paneer in tandoori masala, yogurt, and spices before cooking the filling for a smoky, tangy twist.
Fried Momos (Kothey)Fried Momos (Kothey)
After steaming, pan-fry the momos in a little oil until the bottoms are golden and crisp. You can also deep-fry them for an indulgent treat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Paneer is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Calcium
As a dairy product, paneer provides a good amount of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Immunity Support
The inclusion of fresh ginger and garlic offers anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help strengthen the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
One steamed paneer momo contains approximately 45-55 calories. A serving of 6 pieces would be around 270-330 calories, depending on the exact size and amount of oil used.