We are in a middle of a 21-day lockdown and it is natural to have cravings of certain foods that you would only find on streets. The street food we are definitely missing a lot are momos, a crown jewel of Delhi's street food fare. Momos are originally from Tibet. The dumpling delicacy is a sensation across a nation now. Thin maida-based dumplings filled with all kinds of fillings ranging from chicken, soya, cabbage to paneer. The snack has got so massively popular that a number of variants have emerged in terms of filling and casing of the dumpling. From cheese momos to chocolate momos - there are options galore. In addition to maida, people are experimenting with the base too; for example, wheat momos. Wheat is said to be relatively healthier flour as compared to refined flour or maida. Whole wheat has more fibre and nutrients. What if we told you that you can easily prepare wheat momos at home, and also make them protein-rich while you are at it!
Momos are traditionally steamed, which makes it a tad healthier. Since it is not deep-fried, it helps you cut back on many calories. The filling you choose also plays a determining role in the health quotient of the snack.
Protein-Rich Momos Recipe
Here's a recipe of whole-wheat paneer momos that you may like to try at home. Paneer is said to be an excellent source of protein. Protein helps build muscle, and manage sustainable weight-loss.By keeping you full, protein helps keep cravings in check.
Step-By-Step Paneer Momos Recipe | How To Make Paneer Momos:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese or paneer grated
- 2 clove garlic, chopped
- 1/2 inch ginger, chopped
- 1/2 green chilli, chopped
- 2 tbsp spring onions, chopped
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped chopped
- 1 tsp black pepper, crushed
- ½ tsp red chilly powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp oil
For the dough:
- 1 cup atta
- Water for kneading
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp oil
Method:
1. Take a large bowl, knead a fine dough using wheat flour, salt and oil, add water as per need. Pull out a few small chunks when you have kneaded the four into a soft and firm dough.
2. Now, flatten one of the chunks using a rolling pin. Roll it thin into small circles.
3. Take the flattened dough on one side of your palm, take a teaspoon of the paneer filling and place it at the centre of the flattened dough.
4. Next, pull one half of the dough towards the other using your fingers and start pleating the ends of the side facing you, until you reach the end.
5. Seal the pleated side with the other side, again with the use of your fingers, and secure the dumpling.
6. Repeat the process with other mall chunks you pulled out from the dough, and make as many dumplings, your dough allows. Make sure you are not too generous or too stingy with the stuffing.
7. Heat your steamer and grease the tray with oil. Place the dumplings inside the steamer, make sure they are not placed too closely with each other.
8. Steam for 10-12 minutes, or until you see a shiny glaze on top of the momos. Remove the steamer, serve the momos with special chilly chutney.
Sounds delicious? Try it at home and let us know how you liked it in the comments below! You can also put finely chopped mushrooms and bellpepper in your filling, if you like.