Authentic Somali Sambusa Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1 cup of finely chopped onions
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
  • 1 cup of ground beef or lamb
  • 1 cup of finely chopped spinach
  • 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup of chopped fresh mint
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, vegetable oil, and salt. Gradually add water while kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
  2. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Heat a bit of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until they become translucent.
  3. Add the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric, and red chili powder to the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  4. Add the ground beef or lamb to the pan and cook until it is fully browned. Add the spinach, cilantro, and mint and cook until the spinach wilts.
  5. Pull off an egg-sized piece of dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a round cutter or glass.
  6. Place a spoonful of the filling onto one half of each circle. Fold the other half over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork.
  7. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the sambusas in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn them occasionally for even browning.
  8. Drain the fried sambusas on paper towels and serve them hot.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
  • Try using ground chicken or turkey instead of beef or lamb for a lighter alternative.
  • Experiment with different spices or spice blends to customize the flavor profile, such as adding paprika, garam masala, or curry powder.
  • Include additional vegetables in the filling, such as grated carrots, diced bell peppers, or peas.
  • Make a vegetarian version by substituting the meat with cooked lentils or chickpeas.
  • For a vegan option, replace the meat and dairy-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use vegetable oil instead of ghee, and omit the dairy-based garnishes like yogurt or cheese.
  • Add cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, to the filling for a cheesy twist.
  • Make a sweet version by filling the sambusas with a mixture of chopped fruits like apples or bananas, sweetened with honey or sugar.
  • Experiment with different shapes, such as triangles or rectangles, instead of the traditional half-moon shape.
  • Serve the sambusas with various dipping sauces, like chutneys, tzatziki, or spicy salsa, to enhance the flavors.

Recipe overview

Sambusa, also known as Samosa, is a popular snack originating from the Middle East and Africa, particularly loved in countries like Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan. This recipe treats you to a mouthwatering filling of ground beef, or lamb if you prefer, sautéed with onions, garlic, and a vibrant mix of spices. The filling is then enclosed in a homemade dough that fries up perfectly crisp and golden. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide on how to create these delightful pastries from scratch. Whether you're looking for a hearty snack, a unique appetizer, or a tasty addition to your Ramadan feast, these beef-filled Sambusas are sure to impress. Enjoy the process of making them as much as you will devouring them.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour?
    Yes, you can use whole wheat flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour, but note that it may yield a slightly denser texture.
  2. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
    Yes, you can use any type of vegetable oil or even peanut oil for deep frying the sambusas.
  3. Can I substitute the ground beef or lamb with another protein?
    Certainly! You can use ground chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian substitute like cooked lentils or chickpeas.
  4. Can I make the sambusas in advance and reheat them later?
    Yes, you can prepare the sambusas in advance and reheat them in an oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.
  5. Can I freeze the sambusas?
    Absolutely! Once the sambusas are cooked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  6. Can I bake the sambusas instead of frying them?
    While traditionally sambusas are deep-fried, you can brush them with oil and bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough for the sambusas.
  • Frying pan - Used to sauté the onions, garlic, and cook the filling.
  • Round cutter or glass - Used to cut out circles of dough for the sambusas.
  • Fork - Used to seal the edges of the sambusas.
  • Deep pan - Used for deep frying the sambusas.
  • Paper towels - Used to drain the fried sambusas and remove excess oil.

Origin stories

Sambusa, a crispy, savory, and deliciously spiced snack, is a beloved fixture in the culinary landscape of East Africa, particularly in countries like Ethiopia and Somalia. Its roots, however, trace back even further to the 10th-century Persia. Originally known as 'sambosa', this delightful snack made its way to Africa through trade routes and swiftly won over the hearts and stomachs of the people. In these countries, sambusa is traditionally enjoyed during the holy month of Ramadan as an iftar meal to break the day-long fast, capturing a unique blend of cultural and culinary heritage in each bite.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.