Introduction

Samosas are beloved Indian pastries filled with savory spiced potatoes and peas. These triangular treats boast a crispy, flaky exterior and a flavorful, aromatic filling. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal, samosas are a crowd-pleaser that offers a delightful explosion of textures and tastes.

Why You’ll Love This

•   Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of the flaky pastry and the spiced filling creates a truly satisfying experience.
•   Versatile: Samosas can be enjoyed hot or cold, and they’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or a quick snack.
•   Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as lentils, chicken, or even vegetables.
•   Fun to Make: Shaping the samosas into triangles can be a fun and engaging activity for the whole family.
•   Crowd-Pleaser: Samosas are always a hit with guests of all ages.

Equipment Needed

•   Rolling pin
•   Small bowl
•   Measuring cups and spoons
•   Cutting board
•   Knife
•   Small cookie cutter (optional)
•   Deep fryer or large pot for deep frying

Ingredients

 1 For the Dough:

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

 2 For the Filling:

•     2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
•     1/2 cup green peas, boiled
•     1 medium onion, finely chopped
•     1 inch ginger, minced
•     1 green chili, finely chopped
•     1 teaspoon cumin seeds
•     1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
•     1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
•     1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
•     1/2 teaspoon garam masala
•     1/4 teaspoon chaat masala
•     Salt to taste
•     Oil for frying

Nutritional Information (per samosa)

•   Calories: 200-250
•   Protein: 5-7g
•   Fat: 10-15g
•   Carbohydrates: 25-30g

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

 1 Make the Dough

•     In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and ajwain.
•     Add vegetable oil and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
•     Gradually add water, kneading until a smooth and pliable dough forms.
•     Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

 2 Make the Filling

•     Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
•     Add onions, ginger, and green chili and sauté until softened.
•     Add boiled potatoes and peas. Stir well.
•     Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, chaat masala, and salt. Mix well.
•     Cook for a few minutes until the flavors combine.

3 Assemble the Samosas:

•     Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into thin circles.
•     Cut each circle into two semicircles.
•     Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each semicircle.
•     Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle.
•     Moisten the edges with water and seal tightly.
•     Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

 4 Fry the Samosas:

•     Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C).
•     Fry the samosas in batches until golden brown and crispy.
•     Remove the samosas from the oil and drain on paper towels.

 5 Serve:

•     Serve hot with chutney, yogurt, or tamarind sauce.

Tips for the Best Samosas:

•   Use the right flour: All-purpose flour works best for making samosa dough.
•   Let the dough rest: Resting the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
•   Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the samosas in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding.
•   Adjust the spice level: Add more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
•   Make ahead: You can assemble the samosas and freeze them unfried. Fry them directly from frozen.

Serving Suggestions

•   Serve hot with tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and yogurt.
•   Enjoy with a cup of chai or masala tea.
•   Serve as an appetizer or snack at parties and potlucks.

FAQs About Samosas

 Q 1: Can I bake samosas?

Ans: Yes, you can bake samosas in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

 Q 2: Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Ans: Yes, you can make the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

 Q 3: Can I freeze samosas?

Ans: Yes, you can freeze unfried samosas for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Making samosas at home might seem daunting, but with a little practice, you’ll be creating crispy, flavorful treats that will impress your friends and family. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the delicious taste of homemade samosas.