Month: March 2024

Momo dumplings, steamed or fried are one of my favourite comfort foods. Easy to make in just a few minutes, they are great dipped in your favourite sauce or as a perfect addition to soups and stews.

When I travelled for work, I always made time to take a cookery lesson with a local in their home. When I was in Taiwan, I learned how to make several local dishes, plus the added bonus of these Momo dumplings as the cook’s husband was Nepalese.

All the Momo ingredients are mentioned in the video, but I’ve listed them below for your convenience.

For the Momo filling

• 1 carrot
• 1 stick celery
• 7 mushrooms
• Thumb sized piece of Ginger 
• 2 scallions / spring onions
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 leaves Chinese cabbage
• 1 cup extra firm tofu 
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon curry power
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter 
• 1 teaspoon cornflour 
• Salt and pepper 

Finely chop everything into a course paste by hand or in the food processor.

For the dough

• 2 cups brown flour (use white flour if you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Warm water

Mix the flour with the coconut oil, then gradually add warm water until you have a stuff dough. Knead for 5 minutes then leave to rest for 10 minutes, covered with a tea towel. Roll out then cut out discs using a cookie cutter or a glass.

Place a teaspoon of the filling into the centre of each disc, wet around the edges and seal like a pasty/empanada/dumpling. Don’t worry if they look messy, as long as they are sealed they will taste amazing!

Steam for 8 minutes to a wonderful soft dumpling.

Or, brush/spray with oil and air fry for 8 minutes until crispy.

I make a dip for my Momo dumplings with; soy sauce, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, chopped fresh spicy chillies and coriander. I usually eat too many – they are just too good!

Thanks for stopping by, have a beautiful day.

My dogs are not vegan they do eat meat but not every day. Dogs are omnivores (not carnivores) and can thrive on a plant based diet. This is an example of meals I prepare for them based on what’s in season. I add vegetable pasta occasionally to keep it interesting for my dogs and weight on my one girl who is very active.

It’s cheaper for me to prepare their food than buy good quality food from the store. Plus I really enjoy making it and watching them gobble it down at lighting speed!

Safety & longevity.

There are no food safety regulations for dog food in some countries and dangerous substances such as antifreeze have been found in some, so be sure to check the list of ingredients. I have owned Pointers (hunting dogs) for 30 years. Each of my dogs has lived to 17, even though the life expectancy for their individual breed is 10 years.

Dogs are omnivores not carnivores.

Dogs, like humans, are considered omnivores, which means they have the biological capability to derive nutrients from both plant-based and animal-based sources. This classification is based on their anatomy, physiology, and dietary behaviour. Here’s why dogs are considered omnivores:

1. Dental Structure.

While dogs have sharp teeth suitable for tearing meat, they also possess flat molars at the back of their mouths, which are used for grinding plant material. This combination of teeth allows them to consume a variety of foods.

2. Digestive System.

Dogs have a relatively short digestive tract compared to true carnivores like cats. This digestive system is adapted to process both animal and plant matter efficiently. Additionally, dogs produce enzymes necessary for breaking down carbohydrates, which are found in plant-based foods.

3. Natural Behaviour.

In the wild, dogs are known to scavenge and consume a diverse range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and small animals. This dietary flexibility reflects their omnivorous nature and their ability to extract nutrients from various sources.

4. Nutritional Requirements.

Dogs have specific nutritional requirements, including essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which can be obtained from both plant and animal sources. A balanced diet that meets these requirements can be achieved through a combination of plant-based and animal-based ingredients or solely through plant-based ingredients with careful supplementation.

5. Adaptability.

Dogs have demonstrated adaptability to different diets throughout history, depending on the availability of food sources. Domestic dogs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, consuming diets that often include a mix of plant and animal-based foods provided by their owners.

Overall, while dogs have historically been associated with a carnivorous diet, their biological characteristics and dietary behaviours support the classification of dogs as omnivores. This understanding underscores the importance of offering dogs a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients, whether from plant or animal sources, to support their overall health and well-being.

#healthypets