Introduction to Samosa

Samosa is a popular Indian snack that features a crispy, golden pastry filled with a spiced mixture of potatoes, peas, and aromatic spices. This triangular delight is a staple at tea time, parties, and street food stalls across India and beyond. With its flaky crust and savory filling, Samosa is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Making Samosas at home is a fun and rewarding experience, and this recipe will guide you through the process step by step.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Samosa recipe is detailed, flavorful, and uses simple ingredients to create a dish that’s as close to the traditional version as possible. The combination of a crispy crust and a spiced filling makes it a standout snack. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a special occasion, these Samosas are sure to impress.

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Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Samosas at home:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup ghee or vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
• Water (as needed)

For the Filling:

• 2 large potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)
• 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder)
• Salt (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

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Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and carom seeds.
2. Add Ghee/Oil: Rub the ghee or oil into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Knead the Dough: Gradually add water and knead until you have a firm, smooth dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Temper Spices: Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add ginger and green chilies, sautéing for 30 seconds.
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in the mashed potatoes and green peas.
4. Season: Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, amchur, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Finish with Herbs: Stir in chopped cilantro and remove from heat. Let the filling cool completely.

Step 3: Shape the Samosas

1. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls.
2. Roll the Dough: Roll each ball into a thin oval shape, then cut it in half to form two semi-circles.
3. Form Cones: Take one semi-circle, fold it into a cone, and seal the edges with water.
4. Fill the Cones: Fill the cone with the potato mixture, leaving some space at the top.
5. Seal the Samosas: Seal the open edge of the cone with water, pressing firmly to ensure it’s secure.

Step 4: Fry the Samosas

1. Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai over medium heat.
2. Fry the Samosas: Gently slide the Samosas into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally.
3. Drain: Remove the Samosas and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro.
2. Serve: Enjoy hot with mint chutney or tamarind sauce.

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Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per Samosa (based on 12 Samosas):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

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Health Benefits of Samosa

While Samosas are often considered a treat, they offer several health benefits when made with wholesome ingredients:

1. Rich in Fiber: Potatoes and peas provide dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
2. Antioxidants: Spices like turmeric and coriander have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
3. Energy-Rich: The dough provides carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy.
4. Customizable: You can bake the Samosas instead of frying them for a healthier version.

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Ending Notes and Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices will enhance the flavor of the Samosas.
2. Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the Samosas to prevent them from breaking during frying.
3. Seal Properly: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
4. Serve Immediately: Samosas are best enjoyed fresh and hot.
5. Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain the crispiness.