Authentic Somali Sambusas: A Step-By-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for dough
  • 1 cup of vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
  2. Slowly add water to the flour mixture while kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add the tablespoon of vegetable oil and continue to knead until well incorporated.
  3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
  4. In a frying pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
  5. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef and continue to cook until the onions are translucent.
  6. Add the spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, black pepper) to the meat mixture and stir well to ensure they're evenly distributed.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and add the chopped fresh cilantro and dill to the meat mixture. Stir well to combine.
  8. After the dough has rested, divide it into small balls. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a thin circle.
  9. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture into the center of each dough circle.
  10. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle. Press the edges together to seal the sambusa.
  11. Heat the cup of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sambusas and fry until golden brown on both sides.
  12. Remove the sambusas from the oil and drain on a paper towel before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative.
  • Add diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, or potatoes to the meat mixture for added texture and flavor.
  • Try using a combination of different spices like paprika, chili powder, or garam masala to customize the flavor of the filling.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the meat filling with a mixture of cooked lentils, finely chopped vegetables, and spices.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces to serve alongside the sambusas, such as a tangy tamarind chutney or a spicy coriander mint sauce.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend or alternative flours like rice flour or chickpea flour for the dough.
  • Instead of deep frying, try baking the sambusas in the oven for a healthier cooking method.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the rich flavors of East Africa with these homemade Sambusas. This savory and crispy treat is a staple during festive occasions, but it's also perfect for a casual family dinner. The Sambusa recipe requires a bit of preparation, especially with the dough, but the end result is incredibly rewarding. Sambusas, also known as Samosas in other parts of the world, feature a flaky, golden-brown exterior and are traditionally filled with a delectably spiced meat mixture. The filling in this recipe uses ground beef, but you can customize it with chicken, lamb, or even a vegetarian filling if desired. This recipe guides you through making the dough from scratch for a truly authentic experience, but you could substitute store-bought pastry sheets to save on time. Once the Sambusas are fried to perfection, they are best enjoyed hot. Dip them in your favorite sauce or enjoy them as is for an unforgettable taste of East Africa right in your kitchen.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour?
    Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour substitute if you prefer.
  2. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
    Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be a delicious alternative to beef in this recipe.
  3. Can I bake the sambusas instead of frying them?
    While traditionally sambusas are deep-fried, you can certainly try baking them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), brush the sambusas with oil, and bake them on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  4. Can I make the sambusa dough ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before using. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling and filling.
  5. Can I freeze the sambusas?
    Absolutely! Once the sambusas are fried or baked, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough into thin circles.
  • Frying pan - Used to cook the ground beef and onions, and to fry the sambusas.
  • Deep frying pan - Used for frying the sambusas in vegetable oil.
  • Spoon - Used to measure and mix ingredients, as well as scoop the meat mixture onto the dough circles.
  • Knife - Used to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Cutting board - Provides a surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Bowl - Used for combining flour, salt, and kneading the dough.
  • Damp cloth - Placed over the dough to keep it moist while resting.
  • Paper towel - Used to drain excess oil from the fried sambusas.

Origin stories

Sambusas, the deliciously spiced meat-filled pastries, are a well-loved treat not only in Somalia, but across the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent where they are known by different names such as samosas. However, the culinary journey of the sambusa actually has its roots in the medieval times, traversing from the central Asian steppes to the bustling markets of the Arabian peninsula via the merchant routes. It's said that the hearty, easy-to-carry nature of these pastries made them the perfect travel food for merchants crossing arid deserts. Today, they are a staple during the holy month of Ramadan, providing a comforting and satisfying break to the day's fast when the sun sets. The process of making sambusas—kneading the dough, carefully filling it with a savory mix, and then frying to a perfect golden brown—has been passed down through generations, turning this humble yet versatile snack into a symbol of tradition, togetherness, and hospitality.

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.