Top 5 Nepali Cuisine You can Cook at Home

Nepali Cuisine is a delightful mix of flavors, spices, and traditional cooking methods that make it unique and delicious. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or just looking to explore new dishes, these top five Nepali recipes are easy to prepare at home and will give you a taste of authentic Nepali flavors.

1. Momo (Nepali Dumplings)

Momo is undoubtedly the most popular dish in Nepal. These flavorful dumplings, filled with spiced meat or vegetables, are a must-try for every food enthusiast.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Water (as needed)
• 250g minced chicken/pork/vegetables
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1-inch ginger (grated)
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: Mix flour with water to form a soft, pliable dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine minced meat or vegetables with onion, garlic, ginger, coriander, soy sauce, and spices. Mix well.
3. Make the Dumplings: Roll out small dough circles, add a spoonful of filling in the center, and fold into a dumpling shape.
4. Steam or Fry: Steam for 10-12 minutes in a momo steamer or pan-fry for a crispy texture.
5. Serve with Achar: Pair it with a spicy tomato chutney.

2. Dal Bhat (Lentil Soup with Rice)

Dal Bhat is the staple food of Nepal, providing a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils (masoor or toor dal)
• 3 cups water
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1-inch ginger (grated)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Lentils: Boil lentils in water until soft.
2. Prepare the Tempering: Heat oil/ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, garlic, onion, and ginger. Sauté until golden.
3. Mix & Simmer: Add tomatoes and turmeric. Stir, then mix with the cooked lentils. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Serve Hot: Garnish with coriander and serve with steamed rice.

3. Sel Roti (Traditional Nepali Rice Doughnut)

Sel Roti is a crispy, ring-shaped rice bread, often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice (soaked overnight)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup water
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Blend the Batter: Grind soaked rice with sugar, milk, and water to make a smooth, thick batter.
2. Add Spices: Mix in cardamom and baking powder.
3. Fry the Sel Roti: Heat oil in a pan. Pour batter in a circular motion and fry until golden brown.
4. Drain & Serve: Remove excess oil and enjoy with tea.

4. Aloo Tama (Potato and Bamboo Shoot Curry)

Aloo Tama is a unique and flavorful curry made with potatoes and fermented bamboo shoots, offering a perfect blend of sourness and spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 potatoes (diced)
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots (fermented)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1-inch ginger (grated)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp mustard oil
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: Heat mustard oil, add onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add Potatoes & Bamboo Shoots: Stir in potatoes and bamboo shoots.
3. Spice It Up: Add turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Cook for a few minutes.
4. Simmer: Pour in water, cover, and cook until potatoes are soft.
5. Serve Hot: Enjoy with rice or roti.

5. Yomari (Sweet Rice Dumplings)

Yomari is a traditional Newari delicacy made with rice flour and filled with sweet molasses or sesame paste.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup jaggery (molasses)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (roasted and ground)
• 1 tbsp ghee

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: Mix rice flour with warm water to form a smooth dough.
2. Make the Filling: Melt jaggery and mix with sesame seeds.
3. Shape the Yomari: Take small dough portions, flatten, fill with the sweet mixture, and seal.
4. Steam: Steam the dumplings for 10-12 minutes.
5. Enjoy: Serve warm for a delightful treat.

Highlights

• Nepali cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors, influenced by the country’s diverse culture and geography.
• Dal Bhat is a staple dish in Nepali cuisine, providing a balanced and nutritious meal.
• Momos, a popular part of Nepali cuisine, are enjoyed with spicy dipping sauces.
• The use of fresh herbs and spices makes Nepali cuisine unique and aromatic.
• Traditional Nepali cuisine often includes fermented foods like gundruk and sinki.
• Newari cuisine, a subcategory of Nepali cuisine, offers rich and flavorful dishes like yomari and bara.
• The simplicity of Nepali cuisine allows the natural flavors of ingredients to shine.
• Dhido, a millet-based dish, is a classic example of healthy Nepali cuisine.
• Street food is an essential part of Nepali cuisine, with favorites like chatpate and sel roti.
• Exploring Nepali cuisine gives insight into the country’s traditions and way of life.

Conclusion

These five Nepali recipes are a great way to bring the flavors of Nepal into your kitchen. Whether you crave something savory like momo or dal bhat or have a sweet tooth for sel roti and yomari, these dishes are simple, delicious, and rich in culture. Try them out and experience the authentic taste of Nepal at home!

If you love Nepali cuisine, let us know which dish is your favorite, and stay tuned for more traditional recipes from Nepal!