समोसा (Hindi)
(Urdu) سموسه
is a deep fried snack, very popular in India, throughout Southern Asia, into the Arabian Peninsula, and around the Mediterranean, even down to South Africa. It can be stuffed with various ingredients, spices and herbs. We baked ours for dinner topped with chutney, added a salad and some vegetables. Go easy on the chipotle and chili flakes if you do not like "very" spicy foods.
Makes 8 samosas
Really needs two people and
lots of time
1 russet potato, cut into fourths (optional sweet potato or pumpkin)
water
salt
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 tsp. (7 ml) coriander seeds
1/2 tsp. (3 ml) each: black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and red chili flakes
3 ounces (90 g) boneless, skinned chicken breast or lamb (both optional)
1 mango, peeled, pitted, diced or a can or frozen mango
1/2 of an organic lime juice
1 organic egg
5 Tbs. (75 ml) chipotle sauce (or to taste)
handful of minced cilantro or parsley
easiest: package of thawed puff pastry (optional: phyllo dough or flour tortillas)
optional: cooked peas, lentils, carrots, cabbage; fried onion; cheese(s); green chillies; mashed cooked chickpeas/garbanzo beans; spinach
A. Preheat over 425F (220C).
B. Filling:
१. In one sauce pan, add cut potatoes to cold water, pinch of salt, cover, and bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce, simmer 12-15 minutes.
२. optional chicken breast: In second sauce pan, bring to boil 4 cups (940 ml) water, pinch of salt, bay leaves, 1 teaspoon (3 ml) coriander seeds, peppercorns, chili flakes, and chicken breast. Cook 8-10 minutes.
३. Drain the potatoes, mash them.
४. Add mango, lime juice, chipotle sauce, remaining coriander seeds, cumin, cilantro/parsley (or serving bowls at the table).
५. Mix with a spoon or by hand. Adjust for seasonings to taste.
C. Samosas:
١. Roll the puff pasty out, flatten the seams, trace a 7-inch (18 cm) ring (use a bowl), cut the dough into 8 rounds. Cut each into 2 semicircles.
٢. Have the curveted facing you; flat side away from you.
٣. Put a tablespoon (15 ml) of the filling in the center of a semicircle. (It looks like it is not be enough, but it is.)
٤. Dip your finger in a bowl of water and run it along the edges of the semicircle.
٥. Grab the left corner and fold it over the dough in a triangular motion, so that the corner lands on the bottom right side of the filling. Do the same with the other corner, going from right to left this time.
٦. Squeeze the bottom shut and fold over, sealing with water or with folk marks on the edge. Repeat with the remaining dough.
٧. Place all eight on a lightly greased baking sheet.
٨. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tsp. (5 ml) water. Brush the tops of the samosas.
٩. Bake for 15 minutes.
١٠. Turn the heat down to 375F (190C), flip them over and bake 10 minutes.
-modified from Aarti
