Samosas are a lovely treat; these delightful little pastries filled with a savory filling such as vegetables or meat make wonderful snacks or short eats. Although they require some effort, the end product is worth it.
The following is a quick and easy recipe that, like I said is definitely worth the effort.
To make the filling you will need500g minced meat (beef OR chicken OR lamb)
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Chilli powder to taste
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Brown the meat and set aside. Heat the oil in a frying pan and add the onions and cook until translucent. Reduce the heat and add the garlic, ginger, spices and seasoning. Fry for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add the meat and fry for 3 more minutes to incorporate the flavours. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
To make the pastry you will need
225g plain flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
80ml warm water
Sift the flour and add the salt into a bowl. Make a well into the centre and add the oil. Add in enough water and mix to make a firm dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is soft and pliable and roll into a ball. Cover in plastic wrap and set aside at room temperature for 30 mins.
Divide the pastry into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and roll out into a circle of about 15 cm. Cut each circle into two and lightly dampen the edges of each semicircle with water. Shape each semicircle onto a cone by pressing the cut edges together.
Fill the cones with a tablespoon full of cooked filling. Press the two dampened edges together to seal the top of cone. Deep fry the samosas in hot oil until crisp and brown. Take out and drain on a paper towel. If you prefer to bake the samosas, place them on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake at 400°C for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. If you bake, the texture of the outside will not be as crispy as when fried, but keep in mind that this is a healthier option.
