Yomari - A Newari food of Nepal

Yomari is a traditional delicacy of the Newar community in Nepal. It is a steamed food made from rice flour and filled with a sweet mixture of chaku (molasses) and sesame seeds. The Yomari is typically shaped like a fish, which is considered to be an auspicious symbol in Newari culture.

Yomari - A Newari Food

About Yomari

The dough for Yomari is made by mixing rice flour with water and then kneading it until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough is then left to rest for a while to allow the gluten to develop which will help to make the dumplings more elastic and easier to shape.

The sweet filling is made by heating chaku (molasses) and sesame seeds together and then mixing them until they form a thick paste. Chaku, also known as jaggery, is made from sugarcane or the sap of the date palm tree. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and texture to the filling.

The dough is then filled with this mixture and shaped into the desired form, typically a fish shape, but it can be shaped into different forms such as a leaf or cone. The shaping of Yomari is considered an art form and it takes a lot of practice and skill to shape it perfectly.

After shaping, the Yomari is then steamed for around 20 minutes, until the dough becomes translucent and the filling is cooked through. The finished Yomari is then served as a dessert or a snack and is often accompanied by a cup of tea or milk.

Yomari is a popular delicacy and is particularly associated with the festival of Yomari Punhi, which is celebrated in December and marks the end of the rice harvest. Making Yomari is a family and community affair, people gather together to make Yomari, and share it with each other. The festival is a way to celebrate and preserve the rich culinary tradition of the Newar community.

Here is a recipe for making traditional Yomari (Chaku Yomari) with ingredients:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of rice flour
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of chaku (molasses)
  • 1/2 cup of sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp Ghee

Instructions:

  • In a mixing bowl, add the rice flour and gradually add water while stirring, until the mixture forms a smooth dough. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes elastic.
  • Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
  • In a separate pan, heat the chaku (molasses) and sesame seeds over medium heat until they are well combined.
  • Roll out small portions of the dough into flat circles, and then fill each circle with the chaku and sesame seed mixture.
  • Carefully seal the edges of the dough to form a fish-shaped dumpling.
  • Steam the Yomari for about 20 minutes or until the dough becomes translucent.
  • Once done, take the Yomari out of the steamer and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Yomari can be served as a dessert or a snack and is often accompanied by a cup of tea or milk.

In summary, Yomari is a traditional delicacy of the Newar community in Nepal, made of rice flour dough and filled with a sweet filling made of chaku and sesame seeds, shaped into a fish and steamed. It's a delicacy enjoyed by many and holds a cultural significance, making and sharing Yomari is an important part of the Yomari Punhi festival, celebrated by the Newar community in Nepal.
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