In the bustling streets of San Francisco, Bini’s Kitchen is a revelation, especially known for its Turkey Momos with Tomato-Cilantro Sauce. Binita Pradhan’s culinary skills bring these delightful Nepalese Turkey Momos to life. Every dumpling, steamed impeccably and filled with succulent turkey, is a testament to Pradhan’s dedication to genuine Nepalese tastes. Under her adept hands, Bini’s Kitchen has become a sanctuary of flavor, presenting an authentic Nepalese experience with its Turkey Momos served in a vibrant Tomato-Cilantro Sauce.
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Ingredients
Momos:
- A blend of coriander, cumin, black and green cardamom seeds, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg for that spice extravaganza.
- 1 1/4 pounds of ground turkey bringing the heartiness to each bite.
- Aromatic yellow onion and fresh cilantro, coupled with 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil for a smooth mixture.
- A dash of kosher salt and a pack of round dumpling wrappers to encase the flavorful filling.
For The Tomato-Cilantro Sauce:
- A hearty amount of ripe plum tomatoes, about 2 pounds.
- A green sea of cilantro leaves, approximately 3 cups.
- Flavor enhancers like vegetable oil, minced garlic, Szechuan peppercorn, and a touch of asafetida powder.
- Kosher salt to taste, balancing the tangy richness.
Instructions
1. Preparing the Filling:
- Start by grinding your spice mix consisting of coriander, cumin, cardamom seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, and bay leaf to a fine blend. This spice mix, when combined with ground turkey, onion, cilantro, oil, ginger, and salt, infuses the meat with deep, aromatic flavors. Chill the seasoned turkey mixture for an hour to intensify the flavors.
2. Sauce Creation:
- To make the sauce, char plum tomatoes in a hot skillet until they achieve a perfect blackening. These are then blitzed in a food processor with cilantro, garlic, peppercorns, asafetida, and oil, creating a smooth, rich sauce, seasoned aptly with salt.
3. Crafting the Momos:
- Lay out the dumpling wrappers, spoon in the turkey filling, and skillfully pleat the edges to form a distinctive topknot. Place these carefully prepared momos on a lined baking sheet, covered gently with a towel to prevent drying.
4. The Final Act – Steaming:
- In a steamer coated with nonstick spray, steam the momos in batches, ensuring they’re spaced out. Once steamed to a succulent finish, about 5 minutes, serve them hot, drizzled, or dipped in the vibrant tomato-cilantro sauce.
This recipe not only delivers an explosion of flavors but also embodies the spirit of Nepalese cuisine and the culinary artistry behind traditional momos. Whether it’s the blend of spices in the momos or the fresh zing of the tomato-cilantro sauce, this dish is a testament to homemade gastronomy at its finest.