Momo Sauce (Nepalese) and Steamed Dumplings

Momo Sauce (Nepalese) and Steamed Dumplings

Today on Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders, my Guest is Carlos Mejia. Carlos is an Engineer at Rockwell Automation and has been there for about 13 years. Carlos was most recently on the list of the 30 People Shaping Milwaukee’s Future.

You can also listen to the podcast version of this interview and cooking episode –

Nepalese Momo Sauce

Nepalese momo sauce is the classic dipping sauce that accompanies momo dumplings in Nepal. It is often called achar, tomato achar, or sometimes just momo chutney. It’s as essential to the momo experience as the dumplings themselves. Here’s an overview:

Core Characteristics

Flavor Profile: Spicy, tangy, and savory with a touch of smokiness.

Texture: Smooth but not too thin. It usually has some body from ground sesame seeds, peanuts, or lentils. This varies depending on the region or household recipe.

Heat: Can range from mild to very hot, since chili peppers are a key ingredient.

Common Ingredients in Momo Sauce –

Recipes vary by household and region, but the base often includes:

Tomatoes – roasted or boiled, for body and tang.

Chilies – fresh or dried red chilies bring heat.

Garlic & Ginger – for aromatic depth.

Spices – cumin, turmeric, Sichuan pepper (timur in Nepali, with a citrusy, numbing quality).

Salt & Lemon juice/vinegar – for balance and brightness.

Momo Sauce Preparation

1. Tomatoes and chilies are roasted or boiled to soften and intensify flavor.
2. Toasted sesame seeds, peanuts, or lentils are ground into a paste.
3. Everything is blended with garlic, ginger, spices, and a small amount of water until smooth.
4. Adjust seasoning with salt, lemon juice, or vinegar.

Cultural Context for Momo Sauce

Served with momo everywhere in Nepal: from street stalls to fine restaurants.

The dipping ritual is part of the momo experience — a juicy dumpling dunked into fiery, tangy sauce.

Different families and regions take pride in their unique achar recipes.

What is “30 People Shaping Milwaukee’s Future”

• It’s a recognition by BizTimes Milwaukee. They highlight individuals in the Milwaukee region. These individuals do work to influence the city’s future in business, technology, non-profits, civic leadership, etc.
• The list tends to focus on emerging or growing leaders. These are individuals whose roles are not yet at the forefront of headlines. They are making significant contributions behind the scenes.
• Part of the idea is to spotlight those who are “change agents.” They are shaping future economic, social, educational, or cultural life in Milwaukee.

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Why It Matters

• Having visibility: It helps raise awareness of leaders and efforts that otherwise fly under the radar.
• Networking & opportunity: Recognition can lead to increased collaboration, access to resources, and greater influence.
• Inspiration: For others in Milwaukee (especially early-career folks), it shows paths ahead.
• Civic identity and momentum: Highlighting people working across sectors can help drive a sense of what the city is becoming.

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If you like this recipe for Momo Sauce (Nepalese) and Steamed Dumplings, you will also enjoy trying another one. It is our recipe for Shrimp and Potatoes in Sambal. Or maybe this Baked Gnocchi recipe would interest you.

Cooking Secrets for Men in the News

We have been fortunate enough to get positive publicity for our website, YouTube channel, and Social Media presence. Here are a few examples:

Our series, Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders, is featured in the “Milwaukee Magazine” May 2023 edition, “Civic Gastronomy”. Click here to read the full article.

A few days later, they were discussing me on the radio. It is a local Foodie show,  “This Bites” on Radio Milwaukee 88.9, featuring dining critic Ann Christenson from Milwaukee Magazine and Radio Milwaukee’s resident foodie Tarik Moody. My series, Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders, is in the show’s first few minutes.

“Cooking Secrets for Men” is on the list of the Top 20 Men’s Cooking Websites on the Internet. You can read that article here. See where we rank for Men’s Cooking Websites.

Cooking Secrets for Men is now on the list of Milwaukee’s Top 50 Foodie Influencers on Instagram.

In The News

We were featured in a Redfin article! Check it out here: Designing the Perfect Kitchen for Home Cooks.

Shepherd Express (Milwaukee) article on our Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders show – you can read that article here

Good Counsel HS (My Alma Mater) Magazine article about Cooking Secrets for Men – you can read that article here.

Meet Charlie DeSando – featured in the “Voyage Tampa” article, available to read here.

CanvasRebel Magazine Interview, which you can read here.

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Momo Sauce