Vegetable Samosas are one of the delicious foods brought to East Africa from India and they have become a favorite snack throughout East Africa. It is easy to purchase them from most places including street vendors.
If you need to make quick appetizers for a party, this recipe is perfect. It takes very little time to prepare and cook.There are many recipe variations of samosas. This simple vegetarian recipe has fantastic flavors worth the time and effort.
VEGETABLE SAMOSAS
Equipment
- 1 pan
- 1 oven
- 1 fork
Ingredients
- ½ Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tsp Ground Cumin
- ½ Tsp Ground Coriander
- 1 Tsp Red Chilli Flakes
- 2 Tbsp Frozen or Dried Mango, diced
- ½ Tsp Turmeric Powder
- ½ Tsp Salt and Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Ginger
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- ½ Cup Cooked Potatoes
- ⅓ Cup Frozen Peas
- ¼ Cup Green Onion
- 2 Tbsp Cilantro, freshly chopped
Instructions
- In a saucepan, place oil, all spices and mango.
- Turn on heat to high and leave on for 1 minute.
- Turn off heat.
- Add potatoes, frozen peas and lemon juice. Stir together until well coated.
- Remove from heat before adding green onion and cilantro.
- Mash the mixture together with a fork to form a rough paste.
- Roll out your pastry dough into desired shape, then stuff in filling. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake at 400°F, for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Video
Notes
Another option is to serve them with some chutney or a dipping sauce. But if you have some extra time and would like to make your own sauce, try our....
Fact about Vegetable Samosas
Did you know that samosas, a beloved snack enjoyed around the world, have a fascinating history that spans centuries and cultures? Originally traced back to the Middle East and Central Asia, samosas made their way to India, where they became an integral part of the culinary landscape.
With a flaky exterior and a flavorful vegetable filling, samosas offer a delightful blend of textures and tastes. These triangular treats are not only cherished for their deliciousness but also for their versatility. They’re often enjoyed as a street food, appetizer, or even a main dish, depending on the region and the occasion.
The process of making samosas is an art in itself. From rolling out the dough to perfectly folding and sealing the triangles, each step requires skill and precision. The filling, often a mix of potatoes, peas, and spices, is a canvas for creativity, allowing for various combinations of ingredients and flavors.
Things to pay attention to when cooking Vegetable Samosas
- Dough Consistency: Ensure that the dough for the samosa wrappers is neither too dry nor too sticky. Achieving the right consistency will make it easier to roll and shape the samosas.
- Filling Texture: The vegetable filling should be well-cooked but not mushy. Overcooking can result in a soggy filling that may cause the samosas to become greasy when fried.
- Spice Balance: Pay attention to the spices used in the filling. Achieving the right balance of flavors is crucial for a satisfying samosa experience.
- Sealing Technique: Properly sealing the samosas is important to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying. Use a flour-water paste or egg wash to secure the edges.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the samosas may cook too quickly and not cook through. If it’s too cool, the samosas can absorb excess oil.
- Frying Duration: Fry the samosas until they are golden brown and crispy. Over-frying can make them too dark and hard, while under-frying can leave them greasy and undercooked.
- Draining Excess Oil: After frying, place the samosas on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. This helps maintain their crispiness.
- Serving Temperature: Serve the samosas while they are still warm and crispy for the best texture and flavor.
- Accompaniments: Provide a variety of chutneys and sauces for dipping. The contrast of flavors enhances the overall experience.
- Presentation: Consider how you’ll present the samosas. Whether it’s as a snack for guests or a part of a meal, a visually appealing presentation can elevate the dining experience.
Serving suggestions
- Appetizer Platter: Arrange the vegetable samosas on a platter alongside a variety of chutneys, sauces, and yogurt-based dips. This makes for a delightful appetizer at parties and gatherings.
- Teatime Snack: Serve vegetable samosas with a hot cup of chai or your favorite herbal tea for a cozy and satisfying teatime snack.
- Lunch or Dinner: Incorporate vegetable samosas into your main meals by serving them with a side salad and a yogurt-based raita. This adds a flavorful and crispy element to your lunch or dinner spread.
- Street Food Inspired: Embrace the street food vibe by serving samosas with tamarind chutney and mint-coriander chutney, just like you’d find at food stalls.
- Fusion Wraps: Get creative and use vegetable samosas as a filling for wraps or pita pockets. Add fresh veggies, greens, and a drizzle of sauce for a fusion twist.
- Buffet Spreads: If you’re hosting a buffet-style gathering, vegetable samosas can be a star attraction. Pair them with other Indian snacks and finger foods.
- Picnic Snack: Pack cooled vegetable samosas for a picnic. They are easy to carry and provide a satisfying and flavorful snack for outdoor adventures.
- Side Dish: Serve vegetable samosas as a side dish alongside your favorite curries, rice dishes, or grilled meats. The contrast in flavors and textures adds depth to your meal.
- Kids’ Lunchbox: Make lunch exciting for kids by including vegetable samosas in their lunchbox. Pair with fresh fruit and a small container of dipping sauce.
- Party Platter: Create a diverse party platter with different types of samosas, including vegetable, potato, and meat options. This ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.