Samosa Recipes: Vegetable, Chicken, Keema

Introduction

Samosas are a delicious and versatile snack known for their crispy pastry and flavorful fillings. This guide will walk you through making vegetable, chicken, and keema samosas from scratch, as well as transforming them into a tantalising samosa chaat. We'll also provide recipes for complementary samosa sauces and calorie information.

What is a Samosa?

A samosa is a triangular pastry filled with a spiced mixture, typically deep-fried or baked. Originating from Central Asia, it has become a popular snack and appetiser worldwide.

Types of Samosas

• Vegetable Samosa: Filled with a spiced mixture of mashed potatoes and peas.
• Chicken Samosa: Contains spiced minced chicken, often mixed with onions and peas.
• Keema Samosa: Packed with minced meat (lamb or beef) and a blend of spices.

Samosa Chaat

Samosa chaat is a popular street food where broken samosas are topped with yoghourt, chutneys, spices, and crispy sev (noodles), creating a tangy and spicy dish.

Samosa Sauce

No samosa is complete without its dipping sauces. Typically, samosas are served with:

• Mint Chutney: A refreshing sauce made from mint leaves, coriander, and green chilies.
• Tamarind Chutney: Tamarind Chutney is a sweet and spicy condiment made with tamarind pulp, jaggery, and spices.

Samosa Calories

The calorie content of samosas varies based on their size and filling. On average, a medium-sized samosa contains between 150 to 300 calories. Meat-filled samosas, like chicken or keema, generally have more calories due to their protein and fat content.

Ingredients for Samosas

Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1/4 teaspoon carom seeds (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Water (for kneading)

Vegetable Filling

• 2 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (optional)

Chicken Filling

• 250 grams minced chicken
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 cup green peas (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (optional)

Keema Filling

• 250 grams minced meat (lamb or beef)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 cup green peas (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (optional)

Step-by-Step Samosa Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and carom seeds.
2. Add oil or ghee and blend until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Once the dough is firm, gently add water and continue to knead. Cover and let it sit for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Fillings

Vegetable Filling:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them crackle.
2. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
3. Mix in mashed potatoes, green peas, turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then let the mixture cool.

Chicken Filling:

1. Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions until golden brown.
2. Simmer for one minute after adding the ginger-garlic paste.
3. Add minced chicken and cook until browned. Add the salt, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and garam masala.
4. Optionally, add peas and fresh coriander. Let it cool.

Keema Filling:

1. Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions until golden brown.
2. Simmer for one minute after adding the ginger-garlic paste.
3. Add minced meat, cook until browned, then stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and salt.
4. Optionally, add peas and fresh coriander. Let it cool.

Step 3: Shape the Samosas

1. Divide the dough into small balls.
2. Create a 6-inch-diameter circle out of each ball.
3. To make two semicircles, cut the circle in half.
4. Fold a semi-circle into a cone shape and seal the edge with water.
5. Fill the cone with 1-2 tablespoons of filling and seal the top edge tightly.

Step 4: Fry the Samosas

1. Heat the oil in a deep fryer over medium heat.
2. In batches, fry the samosas until golden brown and crispy, stirring from time to time.
3. Drain on paper towels.

Samosa Chaat Recipe

1. Break a few samosas into pieces and place them in a bowl.
2. Top with yoghourt, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and sev.
3. Sprinkle with chaat masala, red chilli powder, and fresh coriander.

Conclusion

Samosas are a delightful and versatile treat, whether you prefer the classic vegetable, chicken, or keema fillings. Transforming them into samosa chaat or pairing them with flavorful sauces adds a new dimension to this beloved snack. Enjoy making and savouring these homemade samosas!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Samosas

1) What is a Samosa?

A samosa is a popular snack or appetiser made from a triangular pastry filled with a spiced mixture. Originating from Central Asia, it is widely enjoyed in South Asia and around the world. The filling can vary from spiced potatoes and peas to minced meat, and the pastry is usually deep-fried or baked.

2) What is Samosa Chaat?

Samosa chaat is a popular street food where broken samosas are topped with yoghourt, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and garnished with spices and crispy sev (noodles). It's a tangy, spicy dish that combines various flavours and textures.

3) How to Make Samosa?

To make samosas, you first prepare a dough and let it rest. Then, prepare the filling of your choice (vegetable, chicken, or keema). Shape the dough into triangles, fill with the mixture, and seal. Finally, fry or bake the samosas until golden brown. For detailed steps, check the recipe section above.

4) What is in a Samosa?

A traditional samosa typically includes a filling of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. The pastry is made from flour, water, and fat, and it is often seasoned with various spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala.

5) How Many Calories in a Samosa?

The calorie count for a samosa can vary based on its size and filling. On average, a medium-sized samosa contains between 150 to 300 calories. Meat-filled samosas generally have more calories due to their higher fat and protein content.

6) How to Make Samosa Dough?

To make samosa dough, combine all-purpose flour with oil or ghee, salt, and optional carom seeds. Once the dough is firm, gently add water and continue to knead. Let it rest before using.

7) How to Fold Samosa?

To fold a samosa, cut a rolled dough circle in half, form a cone with one semi-circle, and seal the edges. Fill the cone with the desired filling and seal the top, ensuring it is securely closed.

8) How to Make Samosa Chaat?

To make samosa chaat, break cooked samosas into pieces and place them in a bowl. Top with yoghourt, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and garnish with sev, chaat masala, and other spices.

9) How to Bake Samosa in Oven?

To bake samosas, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the prepared samosas on a baking sheet and lightly brush them with oil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until crisp and golden.

10) Where Did Samosa Originate?

Samosas originated in Central Asia, specifically from regions like Iran and Afghanistan, before spreading to the Indian subcontinent and becoming a staple in South Asian cuisine.