I’m not a great believer in New Year’s Resolutions, but I also know that there are many New Years and so many times to make/change/recommit to changes we want to see in our lives. Tonight, in North Carolina, is the Tibetan New Year, known as Losar. It has many of the same traditions as Chinese New Year, but has its own traditions as well.

To celebrate Losar, I made what is probably the most “famous” or well known Tibetan dish (at least in our area), which are called Momos. They are Tibetan dumplings. Apparently they were originally made with Yak meat, but I’m not sure how available that is even in Tibet (which is under Chinese rule these days). I read that their second favorite is beef momos, so I guess they don’t share their Indian/Hindu reverence of cows. However, a large percentage of Tibetans are Buddhist, who mostly ascribe to a vegetarian diet.

To be honest, I’m calling what I made “FoMo”s. I did follow a traditional Tibetan recipe for vegetarian fillings. But I didn’t make the wrappers; I cut them out of eggroll wrappers. Traditional momos are gathered into a circle attached to the top, but that is harder to do. I could barely get my ingredients to stick together in a half moon. Also, momos are usually steamed. But I don’t really have a good steamer set up (in terms of Oriental set ups), and I like my wrappers to be a bit crispier than just steamed. So I baked them in the oven instead of steaming them.

So, mine may be “FoMo”s. But I enjoyed them and will be enjoying them for several days to come.

Like Chinese New Year, Losar is apparently an extended holiday for family, who attempt to gather together. May it bring wonderful energy not only to the Tibetan families, but to all of us who wish for the best connection with everyone we love.