Paneer Momos Recipe

If you are a fan of dumplings, you must try the popular Indian street food snack - Paneer Momos. These delightful, bite-sized dumplings are a vegetarian's delight and are an excellent option for those who crave a spicy, tangy, and savory snack. In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make paneer momos at home, along with some pro-tips to make your momos more flavorful.

Table of Contents

• What are Paneer Momos?
• Ingredients Required
• How to Make Paneer Momos
• Tips to Make Perfect Paneer Momos
• Serving Suggestions
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Conclusion

What are Paneer Momos?

Paneer momos are a variation of the traditional Tibetan dumplings, which are filled with spiced paneer (cottage cheese) stuffing. These little pockets of joy are typically steamed and served hot with spicy tomato chutney or soy sauce. Paneer momos are a perfect snack option for those who are looking for vegetarian alternatives to meat momos.

Ingredients Required

For the dough

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Water as required

For the stuffing:

• 2 cups grated paneer (cottage cheese)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon oil

How to Make Paneer Momos

1. To make the dough, combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Slowly add water, little by little, and knead until the dough becomes soft and pliable.
2. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the stuffing. Heat oil in a pan and add minced ginger and garlic. Fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
4. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
5. Add grated paneer, cumin powder, black pepper powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the paneer is cooked.
6. Add chopped cilantro and mix well. Turn off the heat and let the stuffing cool down.
7. Once the dough has rested, knead it again for a few minutes.
8. Divide the dough into small balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
9. Roll out each ball into a thin circle, approximately 3-4 inches in diameter.
10. Place a tablespoon of the paneer stuffing in the center of the circle.
11. Pinch the edges of the circle and bring them together to cover the stuffing completely.
12. Steam the momos for 10-12 minutes until they become translucent and the dough is cooked.
13. Serve hot with spicy tomato chutney or soy sauce.

Tips to Make Perfect Paneer Momos

• Knead the dough well, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to make it pliable.
• Use fresh paneer for the stuffing to ensure a soft and creamy texture.
• Add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or bell peppers to the stuffing to make it more nutritious and flavorful.
• Use a steamer to cook the momos instead of boiling them as it will keep the stuffing intact.
• Don't overstuff the momos, or else they might burst while steaming.
• Brush the steamer with oil to prevent the momos from sticking to the surface.
• Serve hot and fresh to enjoy the full flavor and texture of the momos.

Serving Suggestions

Paneer momos taste delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with spicy tomato chutney or soy sauce for a tangy and savory twist. You can also garnish them with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or green onions to add an extra crunch and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - How long does it take to make paneer momos?
ans - It takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook paneer momos, including the time to prepare the dough and stuffing, assemble the momos, and steam them.

Q - Can I use frozen paneer to make momos?
ans - Yes, you can use frozen paneer to make momos, but it's always better to use fresh paneer as it will give a soft and creamy texture to the stuffing.

Q - Can I make momos without a steamer?
ans - Yes, you can use a regular colander or a mesh strainer as a makeshift steamer. Place the momos on top of the colander, cover it with a lid, and place it on top of a pot with boiling water. Steam the momos for 10-12 minutes until they become translucent and the dough is cooked.

Q - How can I make my momos more flavorful?
ans - You can add different spices and herbs to the paneer stuffing to make it more flavorful, like garam masala, turmeric powder, coriander leaves, or mint leaves. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or bell peppers to the stuffing to make it more nutritious and flavorful.

Q - What are the different variations of momos?
ans - There are several variations of momos, depending on the stuffing and cooking method. Some popular variations include chicken momos, vegetable momos, pork momos, and mushroom momos. You can also try different cooking methods like pan-frying or deep-frying the momos for a crispy and crunchy texture.

Conclusion

Paneer momos are a tasty and healthy snack that you can make at home with a few simple ingredients. Follow our step-by-step guide to make perfect paneer momos and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Don't forget to experiment with different spices and herbs to make the momos more flavorful and nutritious. Happy cooking!


I hope you found this paneer momos recipe informative and helpful in learning how to make this delicious and healthy snack at home. With the right ingredients and technique, you can create a mouth-watering dish that everyone will love.

Remember to use fresh paneer, finely chopped vegetables, and aromatic spices to enhance the flavor and texture of the momos. Don't be afraid to experiment with different variations and cooking methods to find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds.

We hope you enjoyed reading this paneer momos recipe as much as we enjoyed writing it. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Happy cooking!