Are you looking for a savory snack that satisfies your taste buds ? Look no further than the humble samosa! Known for its crispy exterior and mouth-watering filling, samosas are a popular snack in South Asian cuisine. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about samosas, from their origin to different varieties and recipes.
What is a Samosa?
A samosa is a savory pastry that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is a triangular-shaped fried or baked snack that usually has a savory filling of potatoes, peas, onions, spices, and meat (depending on the recipe and preference). The dough used to make samosas is traditionally made from flour, salt, and water, rolled out thinly, and then stuffed with the filling before being fried or baked to perfection.
What Do We Call Samosa in English?
Samosas are known by different names in different parts of the world. In the United Kingdom and several commonwealth countries, samosas are often called “samosas,” pronounced with an English accent. In the U.S, they are occasionally referred to as “vegetable turnovers.” Samosas are also known as “sambusa” in East Africa, “sambosa” in the Arab world, and “singara” in Bangladesh.
Which Country is Famous for Samosa?
Samosas are a popular snack and street food in several countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. In fact, samosas are so popular in India that they are sold on almost every street corner, in trains, bus stations, and airports. Samosas have also gained popularity globally, with various countries adding their own unique twist to this classic snack.
What Do You Eat with Samosas?
Samosas are often paired with mint or tamarind chutney or served with a side of yogurt or raita. In recent years, samosas have also become an essential component of the popular street food dish “samosa chaat,” a combination of broken samosas, chutneys, chickpeas, and spices that are served on a plate.
Is Punjabi Samosa the Same as Regular Samosa?
The Punjabi samosa is a particular type of samosa that originated in the northern Indian state of Punjab. Punjabi samosas are larger in size than regular samosas and have a more robust filling of potatoes, peas, and spices. However, the basic concept of the samosa remains the same across the board, with the filling and dough differing slightly depending on the regional variation.
Different Types of Samosas
While the classic samosa is a potato and pea filling encased in a crispy pastry shell, there are several variations of this snack, including:
1. Chicken Samosa
Chicken samosas are a popular variation of the classic samosas that are stuffed with minced chicken and spices.
2. Paneer Samosa
Paneer samosas are stuffed with paneer, a type of cottage cheese that is a staple in Indian cuisine.
3. Vegetable Samosa
Vegetable samosas are a popular variation of the classic samosas that are stuffed with different vegetables such as potatoes, peas, carrots, and corn.
4. Aloo Samosa
Aloo samosas are the most popular and classic type of samosas, filled with spiced potatoes and peas.
5. Baked Samosa Recipe
Baked samosas are a healthier alternative to fried samosas and are made using the same dough and filling as regular samosas. The only difference is that they are baked instead of being fried to create a crispy texture.
Samosa Recipe
Now that we have explored the different types of samosas let’s get to the fun part – making our very own samosas! Here is an easy-to-follow recipe for the classic aloo samosa:
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1/2 cup of water
- 2 tbsp of oil
- 2 cups of diced, cooked potatoes
- 1/2 cup of peas
- 1 tsp of cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp of coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp of garam masala
- 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the flour, salt, and oil.
- Gradually add water and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- In a pan, heat oil, and add cumin seeds.
- Add peas and saute for a minute.
- Now add cooked potatoes, and mix well.
- Add coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and salt to taste.
- Mix all the spices well with the potatoes and peas.
- Divide the dough into small balls.
- Roll each ball into a circle, and cut it into two equal parts forming semi-circles.
- Take one semi-circle and fold it to form a cone shape.
- Fill the cone with the potato and peas filling, leaving at least 1/4 inch of space from the top.
- Brush the edges of the cone with water and seal them.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Gently slide in the prepared samosas and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with mint or tamarind chutney and enjoy your homemade samosas!
Samosa Dough Recipe PDF
If you prefer a PDF format for the samosa dough recipe, you can download it here: samosa dough recipe.pdf
Conclusion
Samosas are a delicious and versatile snack that can be customized to cater to different taste preferences. Whether you prefer the classic aloo samosas, a healthier baked version, or want to experiment with unique fillings, samosas are a snack that everyone can enjoy. Try out the recipe mentioned above, and impress your friends with your samosa-making skills. Happy Snacking!