Samosas – A Crispy and Flavorful Indian Delight

Samosas are a beloved savory snack that originated in the Indian subcontinent. These triangular pastries are filled with a mouthwatering mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and other vegetables, encased in a crispy, flaky pastry shell. Samosas are a staple at Indian gatherings, street food stalls, and restaurants, and their popularity has spread worldwide. Follow this comprehensive recipe to create these delectable treats at home.

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 4 medium-sized potatoes, boiled, peeled, and mashed
• 1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to desired spice level)
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried mango powder (amchur) or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup ghee or vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup warm water (approx.)

For Assembling and Frying:

• Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)
• Water for sealing the samosas

Instructions:

Making the Filling:

1. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
3. Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the aromas are released.
4. Add the mashed potatoes, green peas, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder (if using), dried mango powder (or lemon juice), and salt. Mix well.
5. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to allow the flavors to blend.
6. Remove the filling from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Set aside to cool.

Making the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the ghee or vegetable oil and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Gradually add the warm water and knead to form a smooth, soft dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set it aside for 30 minutes to rest.

Assembling the Samosas:

1. Divide the dough into lemon-sized balls.
2. On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll each ball into a thin, round circle (about 6-7 inches in diameter).
3. Cut the circle in half to create two semicircles.
4. Take one semicircle and form a cone shape with the straight edge facing you. Use a little water to seal the cone along the straight edge.
5. Fill the cone with 1-2 tablespoons of the potato filling, being careful not to overfill.
6. Seal the remaining open end of the cone with a little water, forming a triangular samosa shape.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.

Frying the Samosas:

1. In a deep pan or kadhai, heat enough oil for frying over medium-high heat.
2. To test if the oil is hot enough, carefully drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.
3. Carefully slide the samosas into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry them until they turn golden brown on both sides, flipping them occasionally.
4. Remove the fried samosas from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve the hot and crispy samosas with your choice of chutneys, such as tamarind chutney, mint-cilantro chutney, or sweet chutney.

Tips and Variations:

• For a crunchier texture, brush the samosas with a little oil or ghee before frying.
• Instead of frying, you can bake the samosas at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, for a healthier option.
• Experiment with different fillings by adding cooked ground meat, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), or mixed vegetables to the potato mixture.
• Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chilies and red chili powder.
• For a more robust flavor, you can add garam masala or other spices to the dough.
• Serve samosas with yogurt or raita for a cooling accompaniment.

Samosas are a beloved snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day, whether as an appetizer, a light meal, or a tasty treat. With their flavorful filling and crispy exterior, they are sure to delight your taste buds. Follow this recipe to create these traditional Indian delicacies at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.