Timeless MOMO ( म:म:) (cont.)

method servings 6-8

MASALA SAUCE:

NOTE: this masala sauce is for dipping; it is NOT the dried Century Momo Masala ingredient found within the dumplings.

1. In a large frying pan or cooking pot, heat 4-5 teaspoons oil

2. Pour in masala ingredients and simmer until properly cooked through.

3. Blend until smooth. Keep warm and put aside.

DUMPLINGS:

1. Place all ingredients except wrappers into a large bowl and mix thoroughly with a bit of water.

2. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes.

3. Have a small bowl of water ready to wet fingers.

4. Place wrapper in your palm and put no more than two teaspoons of the mix into each.

5. Apply a bit of water to your finger to wet the inside edge of wrapper.

6. Fold the top into small pinches, while turning around evenly, like a pinwheel.

7. Then take both of the remaining edges, bring together, and twist firmly.

8. Make sure the mix is fully contained inside the wrappers.

9. Boil water in the bottom of steamer. (Or your homemade stovetop “steamer.”)

10. Placed the momo dumplings on top, not touching one another.

11. Do not block entire hole in any steamers, because hot vapor comes from the bottom.

12. Steam 15 to 18 minutes until ready, when they appear a warm yellow-brown color. NOTE: the first ones will be ready sooner than the rest…

13. When ready to eat these fabulous, juicy creations, serve warm with a side of the masala sauce.

Editor’s Note:

This breathtaking, landlocked country between China and India is steeped in its own distinct heritage, natural wonders and amazing people serving delicious, indigenous recipes. • Home to the singular Mount Everest (8 of the world’s top 10 tallest peaks are in Nepal, “the ceiling of the world”), here you will also find the world’s deepest lake, the highest lake, the highest valley, and the deepest gorge. Extreme adventurers, this is your go-to! • Though some say Buddhism started in India, the actual birthplace of (Lord) Buddha is in Nepal, in province Lumbini, at the foot of the Himalayan Mountains. Today, 506 million people practice Buddhism across Asia and the world. • All over Nepal, “Namaste” is the standard greeting. It’s rooted in Sanskrit and it means thank you, hello, and goodbye... but the translation is “I salute the God in you.” It is commonly greeted among people in Nepal with palms pressed together and foreheads bowed. • You will find 125 languages spoken in this country of countless, awesome wonders. MOMO is merely one of those treasures that you can share, no matter how far you are from the gorgeous mysteries of Nepal.