Veg Momos Recipe | Video

Vegetarian momos are Indian style dumplings that are absolutely delicious. In this version, I use a savory vegetable-tofu filling.

You can either steam or fry these veg momos. Instructions for both are in the recipe card. I have also included air fryer and Instant Pot methods. Serve with schezwan chili sauce and enjoy!!

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About the Recipe

Sikkim is a state in northeastern India located in the Himalayan mountains. It is the least populous state in India and is the only state with an ethnic Nepali majority. Because of the close proximity to Nepal and Tibet, Sikkim cuisine is highly influenced by both of those cuisines.

Momos are a type of dumplings that are native to Nepal and some parts of Tibet. They are widely made in Sikkim and other northeastern states as well. They have also become a very popular street food in other parts of India.

Traditionally, momos are made with ground meat filling. In Sikkim, meat and cheese fillings are more famous. But this vegetarian version is equally popular and delicious.

I use a combination of vegetables along with some tofu and spices for the filling in these vegetarian momos. To make the dumplings, I use store-bought dumpling wrapper, but you can also make your own dough. I have included the recipe for the dumpling wrapper below.

Also these dumplings can either be steamed or air fried. Instructions for making momos using both methods are in the recipe card.

Ingredients

For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below.

Here are the ingredients you need to make vegetarian Indian momo dumplings:

For the filling:

• Mixed vegetables - use any combination of veggies like cabbage, broccoli, carrot, mushroom etc. I sometimes use store-bought coleslaw or broccoli slaw.
• Either extra firm or firm tofu, can be subbed with paneer
• Ginger, garlic, green chilies
• Soy sauce & Chili sauce
• Salt & Pepper
• Wonton Wrappers - I usually use store-bought wrappers because they are easy to find and make the whole process convenient. But if you want to make your own, you need just 4 ingredients - flour, water, oil and salt. Recipe below.

To cook the momo dumplings, you can either steam, air fry or deep fry them. Here is the equipment you need:

• Steam in Instant Pot - you will obviously need an Instant Pot. Along with that you will need a steamer basket.
• Stove top steaming - you will need a big wok or a pan big enough to fit a bamboo steamer.
• Air fryer

How to make Momo Wrappers

Here's how to make your own dumpling wrapper at home:

Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons oil in a medium size bowl. Slowly add about ¼ cup of water, mix and knead to form a dough. Knead into a smooth dough. Cover the bowl and set aside aside for at least 15~20 minutes.

On a lightly oiled work surface, roll out the dough into a ¼" thick circle. Use a 3" cookie cutter to punch out dough circles.

Follow the recipe as written and cook the vegetable momos until cooked through.

Instructions

For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below.

Here is how to make vegetarian momos recipe right at home:

Start by making the filling: In a food processer, combine garlic, ginger, green chili, green onion, mixed vegetables and tofu. Process until finely chopped.

Heat oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the vegetable mixture and cook for 6~8 minutes, or until the veggies no longer smell raw. Add soy sauce, chili sauce, salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for 1 minute. Turn off stove and set aside to cool for 10~15 minutes.

Work with one wonton wrapper at a time and keep the rest under a damp towel. Place about 2 teaspoons of the vegetable mixture in the center. Dampen the edges with water. Fold the wrapper over to encase the filling, then press the edges together to seal properly.

Place the filled momo on a plate and cover it up to prevent it from drying out. Repeat with the remaining wrappers until the filling is used.

Once the dumplings are wrapped, then they are ready to be cooked. At this point, you can freeze them for later. Or you can either steam or air fry or even deep fry them.

How to Steam Momos in Instant Pot

Select Sauté and pour water into the Instant Pot. The water will start to simmer in 2 to 3 minutes. Place the prepared momos onto a steamer basket and place the basket in the pot.

Place the lid on, lock it, and place the steam valve in the venting position. Cancel Sauté and select 'Steam'. Instant Pot does not count down in Steam mode, so make sure to set a separate timer for 12 minutes.

Turn off the Instant Pot when the timer goes off and natural release the steam for 5 minutes; quick release the remainder. Open the pressure cooker and, using oven mitts, carefully remove the steamer basket.

How to make Steamed Momos in Steamer

Place the prepared momo on a parchment lined bamboo steamer. Fill a wok with 1~2" of water and place the bamboo steamer in it. Water should come to about 1" to the side of the steamer. Steam for 10~12 minutes.

Air Fried Momos

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly grease the air fryer tray. Place the prepared momos in a single layer. Bake for 8~10 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Serve the momos hot with some chili sauce.

Expert Tips

• You can use either store-bought wonton wrappers or make your own wrappers at home.
• Make sure to keep the wrappers and prepared veg momos covered with a damp towel to avoid drying out.
• Veggies like cabbage, broccoli, carrot, mushroom etc. are great in this recipe. I sometimes use store-bought coleslaw or broccoli slaw to save time.
• You can substitute tofu with paneer in the filling. Or skip the protein altogether make this a 100% vegetable momos recipe.
• Make sure to cool the filling slightly before shaping the momos.
• If steaming Momos in Instant Pot, make sure to set a separate timer since IP does not count down in Steam mode.
• The filling can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Vegetarian momos can be prepped 1 day in advance and then steamed or air fried just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Recipe Card