Yomari Punhi: Celebrating Nepal's Traditional Newari Dessert
Yomari Punhi is a traditional Nepalese festival that is celebrated on the full moon day of December to mark the end of the rice harvest season. It is also the festival of Yomari, a sweet dish that is an essential part of the celebrations.
Yomari is a unique Nepalese food made of rice flour dough that is filled with a sweet mixture of chaku (molasses) and sesame seeds. The dough is then shaped into a figure eight or crescent moon shape and steamed until cooked. Yomari is typically served with a sprinkle of cinnamon or sesame seeds and is enjoyed by people of all ages during the festival.
The festival of Yomari Punhi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal. People dress in traditional attire, make offerings to the deities, and participate in various cultural activities. The festival is also an occasion for families and friends to come together and enjoy the delicious Yomari together.
If you're ever in Nepal during the month of December, be sure to try the sweet and unique Yomari and experience the vibrant festival of Yomari Punhi.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of rice flour
- 1/2 cup of warm water
- 1 cup of molasses or chaku
- 1/2 cup of sesame seeds
- Banana leaves for steaming
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour and warm water. Mix well to form a dough.
- Knead the dough for several minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- In another mixing bowl, mix together the molasses or chaku and sesame seeds.
- Take a small ball of dough and flatten it into a small disc shape with your fingers.
- Add a spoonful of the molasses mixture into the center of the flattened dough.
- Bring the edges of the dough together and shape it into a figure eight or crescent moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the filling inside.
- Repeat the process until all of the dough and filling are used up.
- Cut the banana leaves into small squares and shape them into small cups or cones.
- Place each Yomari inside a banana leaf cup or cone, making sure they are upright and not touching each other.
- Steam the Yomari for about 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through.
- Remove the Yomari from the steamer and let them cool down a bit.
- Serve the Yomari warm, sprinkled with cinnamon or sesame seeds.
Yomari is a unique and delicious Nepalese food that is a must-try if you're ever in Nepal during the festival of Yomari Punhi. The combination of rice flour dough, molasses, and sesame seeds creates a delightful sweet and savory flavor that is sure to leave you satisfied.
