Friendship Folded in Dough: Paneer Momos

Paneer Momo: A Traditional Nepali Dish

Paneer momo is a beloved Nepali dish that consists of spiced paneer dumplings served with a flavorful red sauce. It reflects the balance of Tibetan mountain influence and Indian plains influence. Though small in size the flavor will add warmth and love to even the simplest of kitchens.

Momo Dumplings

Ingredients
 3 tablespoons oil
 1 cup shredded cabbage
 3 roma tomatoes
 1 teaspoon salt
 1 teaspoon chili powder
 1 teaspoon cumin
 1 teaspoon curry powder
 1 teaspoon garam masala
 1 teaspoon ground coriander
 One half teaspoon turmeric
 One half teaspoon red onion powder
 1 teaspoon red chili powder
 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
 One half teaspoon chili flakes
 1 tablespoon oil
 1 cup paneer crumbled or feta as substitute
 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro minced

Directions
 Step one Prepare the filling by finely chopping ginger garlic cilantro and tomatoes and adding them to a bowl
 Step two Heat oil then add cabbage paneer and spices Stir well then add the chopped ginger garlic cilantro and tomatoes Cook until the tomatoes become fragrant
 Step three Steam dumplings for twelve to fifteen minutes or until shiny
 Step four Blend until smooth and add salt to taste

Momo Sauce

Ingredients
 3 roma tomatoes
 One half red bell pepper
 1 teaspoon ginger
 1 teaspoon cumin
 One half teaspoon salt
 One half teaspoon chili powder
 One half teaspoon curry powder
 1 teaspoon garam masala

Directions
 Step one Roughly chop the ginger garlic tomatoes and bell pepper
 Step two Add all to a pan with three tablespoons oil and sauté for five minutes Add spices then add one and one half cups water and bring to a boil
 Step three Cook until tomatoes soften then blend until smooth and add salt to taste

Jira learned this recipe from her roommate at an HBCU who was of Nepali origin. Now that she is walking the path of an MD PhD program alongside me she carries this recipe like she carries her friendships with warmth with nourishment and with love.

see previous posts for explanation :)