Birthdays, Momos and Nepal

26 Comments

Greetings from the Lakes District in Northern England where I’ve come to celebrate my birthday. It is my habit to spend this day in symbolic gesture of how I want the coming year to unfold. It is fitting then that I am beginning my 48th year surrounded by stunning mountain views through miles of walking trails, for come October I am taking on my biggest challenge yet. I will be spending three weeks trekking up to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal.

sour-milk-gill

How I get myself into these things I never know. It could be my utter inability to say no to an adventure. Whether it’s starting my own business, writing a book, eating nothing but raw food for six months or walking for three weeks in thin air, I say yes to everything well before I know the full extent of what I am getting myself into. Once committed there is only one way to continue and that is to the finish line.

When I told my friend Mike about Nepal he got a little freaked and worried if I had the right gear for it. Gear? I need special gear? First clue. When I told my client Brian, reassuring him that I’d be fine since I’d done the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) after all, his exact words were: “That’s Junior Varsity compared to Annapurna”… okayyyy… perhaps I didn’t think this through…

annapurna_base_camp_trek_map

But what I have in my corner is a tried and true mountaineer. I met Fozzy on the very last night of Mont Blanc and he’s since become one of my favorite people. When he threw out an invitation for Nepal to the group of TMB’ers we are connected with, I waited all of three seconds before writing back yes. I was the only one. So we are off come October to walk for days in altitudes that exceed 14 thousand feet. An adventure indeed.

photo

Momo’s, steamed dumplings filled with chopped vegetables, are a traditional dish of Tibet but prevalent in Nepal. Served with dipping sauce that can be anything from a chutney to a soy sauce and sesame oil, they are divine. So today, on my birthday day, in symbolic gesture of all I want to make manifest in the year ahead, I am writing, making Momo’s and taking a walk through the hills of Grasmere. I can’t recall a birthday where I’ve been as happy.

Thank you for being my inspiration. It is because of all of you that I am always on the lookout for new recipes to try and adventures to share. I hope you enjoy the Momo’s as much as I have.

Have a great week and stay well!
xo
B

Momos Recipe

momos5

Usually made with all-purpose flour, I made these with gluten-free flour and a medley of vegetables I was able to pick up in the local market. I hope you enjoy them and do let me know what you think once you’ve tried them. They are healthy and delicious and a great way to get more vegetables in your diet in a new and inspired way.

Ingredients

Dumplings:

  • 1 cup all purpose gluten free flour
  • 1 tsp Himalayan Salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 egg white
  • Water… as needed

Filling:

  • 2 cups assorted vegetables (I used a medley but you can use anything you have in the fridge)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 scallions

Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp Tamari
  • 1 tsp Sesame oil

Directions

  • To make the dumplings mix the flour and salt together.
  • Mix in the olive oil and egg white. Then add water incrementally until it makes a smooth pliable dough. Cover and set aside.
  • In a food processor, mince garlic. Add the vegetables and pulse until the vegetables are finely chopped. Slice the scallions thinly (white parts only) and mix in with the vegetable mixture.
  • Roll dough out on a floured surface until it’s the thickness of 2 stacked quarters (25c coins). Using a cookie cutter or a drinking glass, cut dough into discs. Peel away the outer edges, roll out and cut again until all the dough is used.
  • Roll each disc out until it’s the thickness of a single quarter and then fill each disc with vegetable mixture.
  • Fold over into a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges together. Repeat until you have used up all the discs and vegetables.
  • Steam dumplings in a steamer for about 5 minutes.
  • Serve with tamari-sesame sauce and enjoy.

Makes about 15 momos, depending on size of disc.

making-momos

Share Your Thoughts...

26 comments on “Birthdays, Momos and Nepal”

  1. AvatarNancy "Space"

    When I was 30, in 1974, I spent 3 months in Nepal, trekking, living in Kathmandu and living in a remote village. My gear consisted of a chuba ( traditional Tibetan dress), hiking boots and a sleeping bag; rupees to pay for food and lodging. In those days we stayed in private homes. We slept for free, on the floor, paid the equivalent of 30 cents for a meal of rice and lentil beans. It was truly magical in the Magic Kingdom of Nepal. Enjoy your journey, soak in the majesty of the Himalayas, breathe that rarified air! Namaste, Space

    Reply ↓
  3. AvatarGeorge Joannides

    Have a joyous birthday Adorable One; looking through some papers last night and came across my Trekking permit. Caught a glimpse of the word Momos & Nepal opened up your website and in a Flash was transported to that Adventure. So once again happy trails as the spirit moves you from within

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  4. AvatarKaren

    Happy BELATED Birthday wishes !!!

    I’m a new member/fan 🙂 I really enjoy seeing what you have to share each Monday. And yes, I must agree….these pictures are fabulous!

    Enjoy and take good care.

    Karen

    Reply ↓
  5. AvatarRick Kelly

    Hi Barbara, Happy Birthday, you look 10 years younger than your real age. I think I found your secret to staying so young. Good nutrient, exercise, and helping people. Thank you for helping me . I like the just do it attitude. take care Rick

    Reply ↓
  6. AvatarKiesha

    Wishing you a wonderful birthday! You stay on an adventure…and that’s a good thing! Happy and safe travels!

    Reply ↓
  9. AvatarEileen

    Barbara,
    Happy Birthday! Congratulations on your plan for a new ns wonderful adventure! You inspire me!
    Eileen

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  12. AvatarJonathan Sheppard

    WOW!!!!!! Good for you Barbara. Thanks for the inspiring blog of current and future adventure !!AND for a great recipe. Keep the great stuff coming.

    Best regards,
    J

    Reply ↓
  13. Avatarmartine

    You’re great..I have to meet you one of these days. I see Dr. Fratellone so I’m in good shape.

    Happy Birthday, happy everything..you make me smile 🙂

    Reply ↓

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