Dessert

Yomari with Coconut and Cardamom: Nepalese Steamed Rice Dumplings

Original name: Yomari with Coconut and Cardamom

Steamed Yomari rice dumplings filled with coconut and cardamom, arranged on a leaf-lined plate.
Prep
40 mins
Cook
30 mins
Servings
12
NepaleseMediumSnackVegetarianVeganGluten FreeDairy Free

About this dish

Yomari is a traditional Newari steamed rice dumpling from the Kathmandu Valley, usually filled with chaku (molasses) and sesame. This version swaps in a coconut and cardamom filling, giving it a fragrant, sweet finish that feels both familiar and new.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

Rice flour

grain

300 g

Imperial measurement: 2 1/2 cups

Water

liquid

300 ml

Imperial measurement: 1 1/4 cups

Salt

seasoning

1/4 tsp

Grated coconut (fresh or frozen)

fruit

200 g

Imperial measurement: 2 cups packed

Jaggery, grated or chopped

other

150 g

Imperial measurement: 3/4 cup

Ground cardamom

spice

1 tsp

Water (for filling)

liquid

2 tbsp

Banana leaf pieces (optional, for lining)

other

12 pieces

Method

1

Make the dough

10 minutes

In a bowl, mix rice flour and salt. Bring water to a boil, then pour it over the flour and stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and let cool until easy to handle.

2

Knead the dough

5 minutes

Knead the cooled dough on a clean surface for 3-4 minutes until smooth and pliable. If sticky, dust with a little rice flour. Cover and set aside.

3

Prepare the filling

7 minutes

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine grated coconut, jaggery, and 2 tbsp water. Cook, stirring, until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in ground cardamom, then remove from heat and cool.

4

Shape the yomari

15 minutes

Divide dough into 12 equal balls. Flatten each into a small disc, then shape into a cone by pressing your thumb into the center and rotating. Fill each cone with about 1 tbsp of coconut filling. Pinch the top to seal and shape into a teardrop with a pointed tip.

5

Steam the yomari

20 minutes

Line a steamer with banana leaf or parchment. Arrange yomari so they don't touch. Steam over boiling water for 15-20 minutes, until the dough is translucent and firm.

6

Cool and serve

5 minutes

Let yomari cool for 5 minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, when the filling is soft and fragrant.

Equipment

  • Steamer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Clean kitchen towel

Nutrition facts

360 kcal
Calories
2.5 g
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
3.8 g
Fat
2.2 g
Fiber
15 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • The dough must be kneaded while still warm to achieve a smooth, crack-free wrapper.
  • If.
  • If it cools too much, it becomes difficult to shape.
  • Adjust the filling's sweetness to your taste: if your jaggery is very dark, start with a little less.
  • Seal the yomari carefully to prevent filling from leaking during steaming. A tight pinch at the top is key.
  • These are best fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in a steamer for a few minutes.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve warm as a snack or dessert with tea.
  • Offer alongside a drizzle of melted ghee or coconut milk for extra richness.

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Nabin Gurung

Recipe by

Nabin Gurung

Specialises in Nepalese cuisine

Nabin makes momos at 3am when he can't sleep. His chili oil is classified as a controlled substance by his roommates.

Describe yourself in three words: Sleepy but brilliant, lives nocturnally.