Momo achar

MOMO Achar is a dip-sauce that is specifically served with momo.

Ingredient

2 large ripe tomatoes
1 cup sesame seeds
1 cup cilantro, chopped
5 fresh hot red chilies, minced
1 tablespoons garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon timur (Szechwan pepper)
1/4 teaspoon asafetida
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon lime jest
Salt to taste

Instruction

Roast tomatoes in oven for about 30 minutes, or until charred. Remove charred skin and reserve flesh in a bowl. 

In a pan, add sesame seeds, cumin and mustard seeds; stir continuously until seeds pop and are toasted. Make sure that seeds are not burnt. Grind the toasted seeds into a powder. 

In a blender, combine roasted tomatoes, ground mixture of sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, chilies, garlic, ginger, timur, asafetida, lime jest and juice, and salt; process to form smooth mixture. Add some water if the achar mixture is too thick. 

Transfer into a bowl. Serve with steaming MOMOs.

Recipe by Tulsi Regmi