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Sambusa Recipe

Sambusa Recipe: Crispy Pastries with Savory Fillings

This sambusa recipe features crispy pastries filled with spiced meat or vibrant veggies, perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 sambusas
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 1 lb Ground beef/lamb/chicken Ground turkey can be used as a leaner option.
  • 1 Onion Finely chopped; shallots can be substituted.
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil Can replace with vegetable oil.
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground coriander
  • 1 tsp Ground cinnamon Nutmeg can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 tsp Ground turmeric Can be omitted if not available.
  • 1 cup Fresh cilantro Can be replaced with parsley.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Ginger Grated; ground ginger can be substituted.
  • ½ cup Peas (optional) Corn can be used as an alternative.
  • ½ cup Raisins (optional) Chopped dried apricots can work as a substitute.
Assembly
  • 1 pkg Spring roll wrappers or samosa pastry Store-bought options recommended.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
Frying
  • 2 inches Vegetable oil Use for frying; consider air frying or baking.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Deep Frying Pan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

Making the Filling
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, sauté for an additional minute. Add 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and ground turmeric.
  3. Add 1 pound of ground meat, cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Optional: mix in ½ cup peas and cilantro, cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Assembling the Sambusas
  1. While filling cools, cut wrappers and lay them out. Prepare a small bowl of water to seal.
  2. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold to create a triangle shape, sealing edges firmly with water.
Frying
  1. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan until around 365°F (170°C). Add sambusas in batches, frying for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. Remove sambusas with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sambusaCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Sambusas can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, or frozen for up to 2 months.

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