Eat momos and still lose weight? Try this version

Originally from the Tibetan highlands, momos have travelled far and wide to become a favourite among street food lovers across the world. Just thinking about a plate of hot, steaming momos dipped in spicy chutney is enough to make your mouth water. Yet, for most fitness enthusiasts, momos are usually off the menu.

Traditional momos are made with refined flour (maida), which can cause digestive issues and constipation, and may also lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. There’s also no way to be sure how fresh the vegetables or meat used in store-bought momos really are. To enhance flavour, many eateries add monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is another concern.

But what if you could make momos at home healthier, still delicious?

This ragi and whole wheat momo recipe replaces maida with nutrient-rich flours and delivers close to 20 grams of protein per serving. Shared on Instagram by diet coach Simran Kaur, these momos are lower in calories and far more diet-friendly than the regular version.

Compared to standard momos, this version is significantly lighter. Even eating six to seven momos comes in at under 200 calories. Thanks to ingredients like soy chunks and paneer, the filling provides around 20 grams of protein, while the fibre in ragi supports better digestion.

Healthy ragi momos recipe

Ingredients
For the dough
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup ragi flour
Salt, to taste
Warm water, as needed
For the filling
20 g soy chunks
20 g paneer
1/4 portion cabbage, finely chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper powder, to taste

Preparation
In a bowl, combine whole wheat flour, ragi flour and a pinch of salt
Add warm water gradually and knead into a soft dough
Cover and let it rest for a few minutes
Boil the soy chunks in hot water, squeeze out excess water and chop them finely
Finely chop the cabbage and paneer
Mix everything together with salt and black pepper
Divide the rested dough into small balls and roll them out into thin discs
Place a spoonful of the filling in the centre and shape into momos
Steam the momos in a steamer or idli cooker for 7 to 10 minutes, until cooked through.

Serve these ragi momos hot with your favourite chutney for a guilt-free snack or light meal.