Samosas are a popular Indian snack known for their crispy pastry and flavorful fillings. Here’s a simple recipe to make delicious vegetable samosas at home
The samosa has a rich and fascinating history that spans several centuries and regions. Here’s a brief overview
Samosa Origins
The samosa is believed to have originated in the Middle East where it was known as “sanbosag” in Persian.
The earliest mentions of this dish date back to the 10th century.
It was a popular dish among traders and travelers due to its portable nature and long shelf life.
Journey to the Indian Subcontinent
The samosa made its way to the Indian subcontinent through Central Asian traders and travelers.
It was introduced to the region during the Delhi Sultanate period (13th-16th centuries).
In India the samosa evolved to include local spices and ingredients, becoming a beloved street food and snack.
Regional Variations
India: In India samosas are typically filled with spiced potatoes peas, and sometimes paneer. They are often served with chutneys.
Pakistan: Pakistani samosas often include minced meat fillings such as beef or chicken along with spices.
Middle East: Known as sambusak these pastries are often filled with meat, cheese, or lentils.
Africa: In East Africa, samosas are popular in countries like Kenya and Tanzania, where they are filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat and vegetables.
Cultural Significance
Samosas are not just a snack but a part of cultural and social gatherings.
They are commonly served at festivals, weddings, and other celebrations.
The versatility of samosas, with their various fillings and regional adaptations, reflects the diverse culinary traditions of the regions they are popular in.
Samosas are a popular Indian snack known for their crispy pastry and flavorful fillings. Here’s a simple recipe to make delicious vegetable samosas at home
Ingredient Samosas
For the dough
2Cups cups all-purpose flour
1/2Cups ghee (clarified butter)
1/2tablespoon salt
1/2tablespoons ajwain (carom seeds)
Water (as needed)
For the filling
3 large potatoes, boiled, peeled, and diced
1/2Cups green peas, boiled
1/2cups paneer (Indian cottage cheese), crumbled)
1 onion (finely chopped)
1tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
1tablespoons cumin seeds
1tablespoon coriander powder
1/2tablespoon garam masala
1/2tablespoon amchur (dry mango powder)
1/2tablespoon red chili powder
1/4tablespoon turmeric powder
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Oil for frying
Instructions Samosas
Samosas Recipe Instructions
Prepare the doughIn a bowl, mix the flour, salt, and oil/ghee until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Gradually add water and knead into a firm dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling
Heat some oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the chopped onions, green chilies, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
Prepare the filling
Add the boiled peas, mashed potatoes, and all the spices. Mix well and cook for a few minutes. Add fresh coriander leaves and let the filling cool.
Assemble the samosas
Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin oval shape. Cut it in half to form two semi-circles.
Assemble the samosas
Take one semi-circle, fold it into a cone shape, and seal the edge with water.
Assemble the samosas
Fill the cone with the potato mixture and seal the top edge with water. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Fry the samosas
Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the samosas on medium heat until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Drain on paper towels and serve hot with chutney or sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
Amount Per Serving
Calories261kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat17g27%
Saturated Fat7.1g36%
Trans Fat0.6g
Cholesterol27mg9%
Sodium423mg18%
Potassium189.1mg6%
Total Carbohydrate24g8%
Dietary Fiber2.1g9%
Sugars1.6g
Protein3.5g8%
Calcium 17 mg
Iron 0.7 mg
Vitamin D 2 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Dough Tips Samosas
Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes. This helps in making the dough more pliable and easier to roll out.
Consistency: The dough should be firm but not too hard. If it’s too soft, the samosas might absorb more oil while frying.
Filling Tips
Cooling: Ensure the filling is completely cool before stuffing the samosas. Warm filling can make the dough soggy and difficult to handle.
Spices: Adjust the spices according to your taste. Freshly ground spices can enhance the flavor significantly. Samosas