Jhol Chicken Momo (Nepalese Steamed Dumpling in a Spiced Sesame Tomato Broth)

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Jhol Chicken Momo (Nepalese Steamed Dumpling in a Spiced Sesame Tomato Broth)

Juicy homemade Nepalese chicken momo swimming in a warming, flavour-packed jhol. They’re a little labour of love, but once you taste that spicy, tangy, comforting broth, you’ll understand why they’re worth it! It's perfect for sharing… or absolutely demolishing by yourself. No judgment here!

Recipe Stats

Cooking time

115 minutes

Serves

3

Difficulty

Intermediate

Spice

Medium

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Jhol Chicken Momo (Nepalese Steamed Dumpling in a Spiced Sesame Tomato Broth)

Ingredients

3 servings

for the jhol

for the dumpling wrappers

for the chicken filling

garnish

Notes

Some secret knowledge

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Possible Substitutions

  • Chicken mince: Pork mince is a great alternative and works particularly well in momos. However you can replace the mince with any protein of your choice, even tofu
  • Plain flour: Dumpling flour or all-purpose flour can be used interchangeably.
  • Chicken broth: Vegetable broth can be used if you prefer, although chicken broth adds more depth to the jhol.
  • Peanuts: Cashews can be used for a slightly creamier, richer jhol, or simply leave them out if needed.
  • Sesame seeds: White or black sesame seeds will work. White sesame gives the jhol a more traditional light colour.
  • Kashmiri chilli powder: Regular chilli powder can be used, but the Kashmiri chilli powder is more used for the vibrant red colour rather than for its heat
  • Ghee: Unsalted butter or neutral oil can be used for the hot ghee in the filling.
  • Ginger garlic paste: Use equal parts finely grated fresh ginger and garlic.
  • Garam masala: If you don't have it, you can use a small pinch each of ground cumin, coriander and black pepper.

Shield

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Squeeze your cabbage well: Salting the cabbage draws out excess moisture, but make sure you squeeze it thoroughly before adding it to the filling as otherwise the extra moisture can make it hard to wrap the momo.
  • Keep your wrappers covered: The dough can dry out quickly, so keep the pieces and finished wrappers covered with a damp cloth while you work.
  • Don't skip the dough rest. Resting allows the gluten to relax, making the dough much easier to roll out without springing back.
  • Texture is up to you. Blend the jhol completely smooth for a silky broth, or leave it slightly coarse for a more rustic texture.

Fridge

Storage

  • Jhol: Store leftover jhol in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the hob until piping hot, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it has thickened.
  • Cooked momos: Store steamed momos separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat by steaming for a few minutes until piping hot.
  • Freeze before steaming: For the best results, freeze uncooked momos. Arrange them in a single layer on a lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
  • Cooking from frozen: You don't need to thaw frozen momos before steaming, just place them straight into a steamer and steam for approximately 15–18 minutes, or until cooked through.

Method

Make the Chicken Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken mince, Chinese cabbage, spring onions, red onion, coriander, ginger garlic paste, garam masala, cumin powder, salt and hot ghee.

Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.

Set aside to rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the wrappers.

Make the Dumpling Dough

In a bowl, combine the flour, salt and lukewarm water.

Knead for 5–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Cover with cling film or a damp cloth and leave to rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Dumpling Wrappers

Once rested, poke a hole through the centre of the dough and stretch it into a large ring.

Cut the ring to create one long strip of dough.

Divide into approximately 17 equal pieces (around 13g each).

Flatten each piece with your palm and roll into a thin circular wrapper.

Lightly dust each wrapper with cornflour to prevent sticking as you stack them.

Fill and Shape the Momo

Place approximately ½ tablespoon of filling into the centre of each wrapper.

Fold and pleat the edges together, pinching firmly to seal.

Shape the momo however you prefer, ensuring they are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.

Repeat until all wrappers and filling have been used.

Steam the Momos

Arrange the momo in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper

Place over a pot of boiling water and steam for 12 minutes, or until the wrappers are cooked through.

Make the Jhol

Toast the sesame seeds until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Toast the peanuts and also set it aside with the sesame seeds.

Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.

Add the cumin seeds and fry until aromatic.

Add the green chillies, chopped red onion and diced tomatoes. Stir through the ginger garlic paste, turmeric and Kashmiri chilli powder.

Mix well, then cover and cook until the tomatoes have softened and broken down.

Remove the lid and give everything a good stir.

Add the toasted sesame seeds and peanuts to a blender and blitz into a fine powder.

Add the cooked tomato mixture, chicken broth and coriander to the blender and blend until completely smooth.

Pour the blended mixture back into the same pan and bring to a gentle boil.

Reduce to a simmer and stir through the salt and lemon juice, then take it off the heat.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed - a pinch of sugar for adding sweetness, more lemon juice for a tangy or salt.

Serve

Ladle the hot jhol into serving bowls.

Top with the steamed momo and finish with fresh coriander, sesame seeds and chilli oil.

Serve immediately and enjoy while hot.

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