Delicious Homemade Samboosa Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of lentils
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 20 sheets of samosa pastry
  • 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the lentils in water for an hour, then rinse and drain.
  2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until they become translucent.
  3. Add the soaked lentils to the pan, followed by curry powder, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
  4. Cover the pan and let the lentils cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until they become soft. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  5. While the lentils are cooking, prepare the samosa sheets. Keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
  6. Once the lentils are cooked, let the mixture cool down a bit. Then, take one samosa sheet, put about two tablespoons of the lentil mixture onto the sheet. Fold it into a triangle, pressing the edges to seal it.
  7. Continue this process with all the samosa sheets and filling. Make sure to keep the prepared samosas under a damp cloth as well, so they don't dry out before frying.
  8. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Fry the samosas in batches, turning them occasionally, until they're golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
  10. Remove the samosas from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
  11. Serve the samosas hot with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use phyllo dough instead of samosa pastry for a lighter and flakier crust.
  • Replace lentils with mashed potatoes for a traditional potato samosa filling.
  • Add cooked ground meat (such as chicken, beef, or lamb) to the lentil filling for a meaty samosa option.
  • Include chopped vegetables (such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers) in the filling for added texture and flavor.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour or chickpea flour for the pastry.
  • Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor profile, such as adding garam masala, chili powder, or coriander.
  • For a vegan option, replace the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and cornstarch.
  • Add a touch of sweetness by including raisins or chopped dried fruits in the filling.
  • Serve the samosas with a variety of chutneys or sauces, such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or yogurt sauce.
  • Try baking the samosas instead of deep frying for a healthier alternative.

Recipe overview

Get ready to delve into the delightful world of Middle Eastern cuisine with our Samboosa recipe. A crowd-pleaser at any gathering, these savoury pastries are stuffed with a rich lentil filling and deep-fried to golden perfection. The dish begins with a simple lentil mixture, seasoned with aromatic spices such as curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. A careful balance of these spices gives the Samboosa its distinct and robust flavor. The filling is then enveloped in thin samosa pastry sheets, folded into a classic triangle shape, and deep-fried until crispy and golden. This recipe is a step-by-step guide to making your own batch of delicious Samboosas. Expect to enjoy a warm, crunchy exterior filled with mouthwatering lentils that have been perfectly seasoned and cooked. Paired with your favourite dipping sauce, this is sure to be a hit at your next party or family gathering.

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned lentils instead of soaking and cooking them from scratch? No, it is recommended to use dried lentils that have been soaked and cooked for this recipe as canned lentils may be too soft and mushy for the filling.
  2. Can I use store-bought samosa pastry? Yes, store-bought samosa pastry can be used for convenience. Just make sure to keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Can I bake the samosas instead of deep frying them? Yes, you can bake the samosas for a healthier alternative. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), brush the samosas with oil, and bake them on a baking sheet until they turn golden brown, usually around 20-25 minutes.
  4. What can I serve with samosas? Samosas are commonly served with various dipping sauces such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or even ketchup. They can also be enjoyed with a side of yogurt or as part of a larger meal with rice and curry.
  5. Can I freeze samosas? Yes, samosas can be frozen before frying. Once assembled, place the uncooked samosas on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to fry, thaw the samosas in the refrigerator overnight before frying them as usual.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowl - Used for combining ingredients and mixing the lentil filling.
  • Large pan - Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, as well as cooking the lentils.
  • Slotted spoon - Used for removing the fried samosas from the oil and draining them.
  • Frying pan or fryer - Used for frying the samosas until they become golden brown and crispy.
  • Paper towels - Used for draining excess oil from the fried samosas.
  • Damp cloth - Used for covering the samosa sheets and prepared samosas to prevent them from drying out.

Origin stories

The delightful Samboosa, a staple during the holy month of Ramadan, traces its origins back to the Middle East. It is believed to have been a part of the royal meals in medieval times, finding a prominent place in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines. The crisp and crunchy exterior that hides within it a burst of flavors, makes it a much-loved snack across the globe. Interestingly, despite its aristocratic beginnings, the Samboosa has remained a dish of the people, enjoyed by everyone, irrespective of their social standing. It's a testament to how food can transcend social barriers, uniting people over shared flavors and experiences.

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.