Yomari

Introduction

Whenever the winter comes in every year, we (Nepalese) celebrate "Yomari Punhi" during the month of December to signify the end of harvest. "Punhi" refers to the full moon. "Yomari" is a steamed goodie made up of rice flour with molasses and sesame seed stuffing. It is one of the delicacies that we long for when this day arrives every year. Also, Newars (the caste that I belong to) make these goodies and tie in a thread to make a garland when celebrating kid's birthdays. So, let's say your kid is a two-year old, you would make 2 yomaries and make it a garland to wear while the ritual takes place until your kid is a 12 year old. Interesting huh? Anyways, here is the recipe I am sharing with you that I learnt from my mom.

Makes about 14 Yomaries

Yummy Yomari

Ingredients Needed

• Rice Flour - 2 1/2 cups
• Liquid Molasses or ("Chaku" - if you can get one from Nepal) - 4oz
• Black Sesame Seed powder - 7 tbsp
• Cardamom powder - 6 seeds powdered
• Shredded coconut - 6 tbsp
• Ghee - 1 tsp
• Vegetable Oil - 1 tbsp
• Water - 500ml

Steps to follow

Stuffing:

In a non-stick skillet, heat liquid molasses to a boil. 

Add Black Sesame Seed powder, Cardamom powder and shredded coconut onto it and mix it well. Turn off the heat. The consistency should be as shown in the picture below.

Molasses Mixture

If the consistency is too thick, add little water to make it little thin.

Yomari dough:

Boil water in a saucepan. Add ghee into it. Then, add rice flour onto it and mix it well. Use a mixer or a spoon to make the dough. Once the dough is as shown in the picture, cover with a warm cloth.

Dough for Yomari

Yomari:

In a bowl, add little vegetable oil.

Oil in Bowl

Spread the oil in your palms.

Grab a small ball of flour (about a golf ball size) and taper it at the end.

Using your index finger, make a hole by gradually pushing through the edges as shown in the Youtube Clip. Use oil as much as you need.

Add a spoon or two of the stuffing into it.

Using your thumb and index finger while holding yomari with your other hand, gradually close the hole. Check out the Youtube video on how to make one.

Uncooked Yomari

Now add the yomari in a steamer.

While you are on your way to make some more, bring water to a boil in a steamer.

Once the steamer is full of yomaries, steam for 10 - 15 minutes.

You will see that the yomari is shiny when it is all cooked, which means it is ready to be served.