Momos
Navratri, the festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, is not only a time for spiritual reflection but also a time to indulge in delicious foods that align with the fasting tradition. During this period, many people follow strict dietary practices, avoiding grains, meat, and certain spices. However, the craving for tasty snacks doesn’t go away. If you’re missing the deliciousness of your favorite momo, here’s a unique and fasting-friendly twist to make this popular snack using sabudana (sago) instead of the usual flour.
Why Sabudana for Navratri?
Sabudana is a highly popular ingredient during fasting because it is light on the stomach, easy to digest, and provides instant energy. It is often used to prepare snacks like vadas, khichdi, and even kheer. Using sabudana as a base for your momos gives you the perfect combination of indulgence and health, ensuring that you enjoy the best of both worlds.
Ingredients for Sabudana Momo
- For the Momo Dough:
- 1 cup sabudana (sago)
- 1-2 boiled potatoes (mashed)
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
- Rock salt (sendha namak) to taste
- Water (for soaking sabudana)
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup grated paneer (cottage cheese)
- 1/4 cup boiled and chopped vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, or potatoes)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-green chili paste (optional)
- Rock salt to taste
- A pinch of black pepper or cumin powder
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- For Steaming or Frying:
- Ghee or oil for greasing the steamer or frying pan
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Soak Sabudana
Start by soaking the sabudana in water for about 3-4 hours or until they become soft and bloomed. Drain any excess water and set the sabudana aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, add the soaked sabudana, mashed potatoes, and a pinch of rock salt. Mix these ingredients well. Now, add a tablespoon of ghee or oil to make the dough smooth and pliable. If needed, add a bit of water to achieve the right consistency, ensuring that the dough isn’t too sticky or dry.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the grated paneer and boiled vegetables. Add the ginger-green chili paste, rock salt, black pepper, and freshly chopped coriander leaves. Mix everything thoroughly until the filling is well-combined. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
Step 4: Shape the Momos
Take small portions of the dough and flatten them into small round discs. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each disc. Carefully fold the edges of the dough together, pinching them to form a pleated, sealed shape, resembling a traditional momo. Repeat this step until all the dough and filling are used up.
Step 5: Steaming the Momos
Grease your steamer with a little ghee or oil to prevent the momos from sticking. Arrange the momos in the steamer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Cover the steamer and steam the momos for about 10-12 minutes or until they are cooked through and soft.
Alternatively, if you prefer crispy momos, you can shallow fry them in a non-stick pan with a little oil, frying them until golden brown on all sides.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the momos are cooked, serve them hot with a side of mint chutney or a simple yogurt dip. The soft, flavorful filling combined with the chewy sabudana outer layer makes for a perfect snack during Navratri or any fasting occasion.
Tips for Perfect Navratri Momos:
- You can adjust the filling according to your preferences, try using boiled sweet potatoes or paneer and spinach for a different flavor.
- If you’re not a fan of the traditional steamed texture, you can also try pan-frying the momos for a crispy outer layer.
- Ensure that the sabudana is well-soaked before using it, as dry or half-soaked sabudana can result in a chewy, tough dough.
This Sabudana Momo recipe is a delightful way to enjoy your favorite snack while staying true to the spirit of fasting during Navratri. It combines the rich, wholesome texture of sabudana with the savory goodness of paneer and vegetables, making it a perfect treat for those observing the festival. Whether you choose to steam or fry them, these momos are sure to satisfy your cravings and make your Navratri celebrations even more special!
