Samosa Recipe - Delightful and Crispy Pockets

Samosas are a delicious savory pastry filled with a mouth-watering mix of potatoes, peas, and aromatic spices, all wrapped in a crispy shell. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, these delightful treats are now enjoyed worldwide. Each bite offers a burst of flavor and texture, making them a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. The preparation involves crafting a dough that's light yet sturdy enough to hold the flavorful filling. The traditional filling typically includes potatoes and peas, but variations abound based on regional and personal preferences. The spices used in samosas are what set them apart, bringing warmth and depth to the dish. These can be deep-fried for ultimate crispness, pan-fried for a lighter version, or baked for a healthier take. Samosas are wonderful on their own but can be elevated with a variety of dips and accompaniments. Serve them with tangy chutneys or creamy sauces to enhance their flavor. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, samosas remain a beloved favorite for many around the world.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for the Dough:

• 225 g all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt
• 125 ml water
• 4 teaspoons oil

Filling Ingredients:

• 300 g boiled potatoes, roughly mashed
• 1/4 of a small onion, finely chopped
• 30 g frozen green peas
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 fresh red chilies (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic and ginger paste

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl, and add a pinch of salt.
2. Pour in the oil and water gradually, mixing as you go until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the dough until it forms a smooth, cohesive ball that is slightly sticky.
4. Add a tablespoon of flour to the dough if too sticky, and knead for additional 3 minutes.
5. Cover the dough ball with plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature to rest while preparing the filling.
6. For the filling, combine the mashed potatoes, chopped onion, green peas, and all the spices in a large bowl.
7. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated into a homogenous mixture.
8. After resting, take a golf-ball-sized piece of dough and roll it out into a thin rectangle.
9. Place about 3 teaspoons of filling at one corner of the rectangle.
10. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle and continue folding until the filling is fully enclosed. Seal the edges with water if necessary.
11. Place the prepared samosas on a floured surface to prevent sticking until all are ready to cook.
12. For deep-frying, heat oil to 180°C (350°F) and fry the samosas for about 6 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
13. For pan-frying, heat a generous amount of oil in a pan and cook each side of the samosas for 3 minutes until golden.
14. For baking, preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F), brush the samosas with milk, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
15. Allow samosas to cool slightly before serving.
16. Serve the samosas with yogurt, sour cream, or ketchup as a dip.

Tips

• Ensure the dough is well-kneaded to form a strong, flexible shell.
• Use a little water to seal the edges of the samosas if they aren't sticking.
• Experiment with different spices and veggies for varied flavors.
• For a healthier option, consider baking instead of frying.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
• Protein: 5 g
• Fats: 7 g
• Carbs: 30 g

Variations

• Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
• Add ground chicken or lamb for a non-vegetarian twist.
• Use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly option.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with mint chutney for a refreshing dip.
• Serve alongside a light salad for a complete meal.
• Enjoy with a cooling cucumber-yogurt raita to balance the spices.

Best Places

• Koshary Abou Tarek - Famous for its delicious koshary and flavorful samosas. Location: 16 Mahmoud Bassiouny St., Cairo, Egypt.
• Karim's - Known for its authentic Indian cuisine and perfect samosas. Location: 2846 A-block, Tulsi Marg, Jayanti Market, MI Road, Jaipur, India.
• The Spice Room - Offers an amazing variety of Indian snacks, including crispy samosas. Location: 329 Elizabeth St, North Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
• Dishoom - A Bombay-inspired café noted for its delightful samosa chaat. Location: 12 Upper St Martin's Ln, West End, London, UK.
• Sultan's Kitchen - Popular for its homestyle samosas and rich flavors. Location: 116 State St, Boston, MA, USA.
• Gordons Cafe - A perfect blend of international and local cuisine with amazing samosas. Location: Vartan Avakian, Minet El Hosn, Beirut, Lebanon.
• Udupi Palace - Specializing in South Indian cuisine with uniquely spiced samosas. Location: 2543 West Devon Ave, Chicago, IL, USA.
• Bismillah Cafe - Home to some of the best samosas in the region. Location: 45 Syed Alwi Road, Little India, Singapore.
• Cafe Grill, The Strand Hotel - Offers international culinary delights and delicious samosas. Location: 92 Strand Road, Yangon, Myanmar.
• Swagatam - Celebrated for its delectable vegetarian dishes, including samosas. Location: 4850 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Ste 501, Lawrenceville, GA, USA.