Nobody can resist these perfect pyramids of flaky pastry, stuffed with a delicious spiced potato filling! But not all samosas are created equal. Too dry, not enough filling, bad pastry, weak spicing….. So I set out to make my own, and am proud to now share with you my very own Samosa recipe – my idea of the perfect Samosa!
🌶 Welcome back to Indian Week! 🌶
It’s Indian Week here at RecipeTin Eats! And week where I’m sharing 4 brand new Indian recipes so you can make your very own feast at home:
Palak Paneer – the famous Indian Spinach Curry, complete with homemade fresh cheese curd (it’s so easy!);
Naan – the fluffiest, bubbliest, chewiest naan you’ll ever make at home, a recipe that eluded me for 5 years!
Thoran-style Cabbage Carrot Salad – quite possibly the most incredible cabbage salad you will ever have in your life;
Samosas – this recipe!
Samosa recipe
If you think of an “Indian snack”, probably the first image that pops into mind is the humble Samosa.
These little fried parcels of flaky-yet-tender pastry, stuffed to the brim with spiced potatoes and other ingredients, are pretty much my idea of the world’s greatest savoury snack.
Not only are they insanely delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Samosas can be served as appetisers, entrees, or a lunch on the move. They’re good hot or at room temperature. They keep for days and days, and they reheat well. What is not to love?!?
Finding a great Samosa though, is no easy feat – whether they’re bought or recipes. Most are “OK” but never quite get there for me. So I set myself the (not-insignificant!) challenge of creating my own ideal Samosa recipe.
And so, after many rounds of testing, eating, rethinking and (yes!) eating some more, I’m happy to report I’ve finally arrived at this recipe – my idea of the perfect Samosa!
What you need to make Samosas
Here’s what you need to make Samosas. Yes, you will see a few less-common spices in this recipe that call for a trip to the Indian grocery store if you truly want to make real Samosas. If not, I’ve got alternatives to suggest!
The spices
The spices marked with an asterisk* are speciality spices that likely require a trip to an Indian grocery store. But I’ve made notes for best substitutions!
Ajwain seeds* – An Indian spice with a fragrant and fruity but bitter taste. Substitute thyme leaves;
Amchur* – Also known as mango powder, is made from dried green mangoes. It is sour in taste and is said to help digestion. Substitute 1/2 tsp lemon juice;
Asafoetida* – Also known as hing, this is a traditional ingredient used in Indian cooking that is derived from a species of giant fennel. It has a somewhat bitter garlic / onion flavour, which makes it a great substitute for people who can’t have garlic or onion.! Substitute 1/4 tsp each of garlic and onion powder;
Black mustard seeds – They look like poppyseeds but are fragrant and have a slight horseradish-like bite to them. They’re not spicy, more a fresh zing. ~ $1.50 in small packs at Indian grocery stores. Also sold in the Indian food section at some Woolworths (Australia) $1.70, and online! Also used in Eggplant Curry, Dal and Vegetable Samosa Pie recipes;
Garam Masala – A well-known Indian spice mix which is pretty common these days. It’s found in the spice aisle of regular supermarkets and costs not more than other spices; and
Cumin seeds and powder, coriander seeds and turmeric – Very common spices used in Indian cooking, found everywhere these days at regular grocery stores.
Other ingredients
Flour – Just regular all purpose/plain flour;
Green chilli – Use a cayenne pepper which provides just a mild background hum of spice. These Samosas are not overly spicy!
Ghee or oil – Ghee is a traditional cooking fat used in Indian cooking. It is simply normal butter but with milk solids and water removed, leaving behind pure butter fat. Ghee has a more intense butter flavour than normal butter, with the added bonus that unlike butter, it doesn’t burn even on high heat.
It is rubbed into the flour to make the Samosa pastry flaky.
You can either make your own Ghee (it’s cheaper, really easy and keeps for months), buy it, or just use normal butter;
Potatoes – For the potato filling. Use either starchy or all-rounder potatoes, such as Sebago (Australia brushed “dirt” potatoes), Russet, Yukon Gold or Idahos (US), Maris Piper or King Edwards (UK);
Ginger – Fresh ginger is best here, but you could substitute with ginger powder in an emergency 😇;
Peas – Frozen all the way! No need for fresh here; and
Coriander/cilantro – Stirred into the potato filling at the end, it adds such a great hit of freshness.
How to make Samosas
The four parts to making Samosas are:
The spiced potato filling;
The Samosa dough;
Making the Samosa parcels; and
Frying – Sorry, there is no alternative! Do not try to bake them, you will be sorely disappointed!
Part 1: Spiced potato filling
The filling for Samosas is typically vegetarian, made with roughly mashed potato that’s cooked up with spices, fresh green chilli and peas. Altthough you’ll see plenty of versions with meat (usually ground), I like to keep things traditional – regular readers know I don’t say that often!😂
Rough-mashed potato – Boil potatoes until tender, then use a fork to roughly mash. It’s nice to have bits of chunks in the potato for interest, rather than a soft, creamy and uniform mash;
Cook spices and aromatics – A healthy dose of spices are fried up with fresh ginger and chilli which is then tossed through along the peas;
Add potato – Add the mashed potato and gently but thoroughly mix through, so the flavouring fully permeates the potato; and
Fresh coriander, then cool – Lastly, mix through fresh coriander, then let the filling cool completely before using.
Part 2: Samosa dough
A key feature of the Samosa pastry is how flaky it is. This is achieved by rubbing ghee or oil into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs, just like we do with Western shortcrust pastry!
Mix dry ingredients, add ghee – Mix the flour, Ajwain seeds and salt, then pour the ghee or oil in;
Rub fat in – Use your fingers to rub the ghee in until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This is the step that gives the Samosa pastry the signature flakiness we know and love so much!
Form dough, rest 30 minutes – We then add water until it is wet enough to form a dough. The dough should be soft and pliable, but not so sticky that it sticks to your hands. Form a ball and let it rest for 30 minutes;
Divide – Form a log, then cut into 6 equal pieces;
Shape dough into balls;
Roll out balls to 2mm thick – Roll the dough balls into discs 2mm thick. They should be about 16cm /6.5” in diameter.
Now, you’re ready to make the little Samosa parcels!
Part 3: Samosa parcels
Don’t get stressed out about this part. It’s honestly not that hard. And if yours are a bit deformed and wonky, so what? It’s still going to taste amazing!!! And you can just say they’re “rustic”. 😉
Cut in half – Use a small knife to cut a circle in half. Work with one disc of dough at a time. Keep the others covered under cling wrap so they don’t dry out;
Brush disc with water along half the straight edge you just cut;
Fold one side in;
Form cone – Then fold the other side in, overlapping by about 1cm / 2/5″, to form a cone shape. Press joined edges together to secure;
Fill cone – Form an “O” with your thumb and forefinger, then place the cone inside (like at the holders at the ice cream shop). Fill with the spiced potato filling;
Brush with water along the cone mouth edge;
Seal – Press to seal;
Fold seam side down – Place the seam side down on the work surface so it folds over;
Trim excess pastry off;
Pinch top of cone to make it nice and pointy;
Fold in the other two corners;
Voila! You’re done!
Part 4: Frying – and the trick to less greasy, ultra-crispy Samosas!
The trick to frying Samosas is to start on low heat, otherwise the pastry can burst open and the filling spills out into the hot oil!
Consequently, most recipes will call for the Samosas to be fried at a relatively low temperature of 160°C/320°F for 10 minutes+. But this makes them SUPER-greasy!
Instead, we’re using the good old, reliable Asian double-fry method. It’s fast becoming the world’s worst-kept cooking secret for less greasy, ultra-crispy fried goods, it’s used in takeout favourites from Honey Chicken to Sweet & Sour Pork, to Japanese Karaage. It involves an initial fry on low heat to seal, followed by a second fry on high heat to colour and crisp.
First fry: Seal Pastry – Heat the oil to 160°C/320°F, then fry 3 or 4 samosas for 3 minutes, turning occasionally. The pastry should be cooked but pale;
Drain on paper towels then repeat this first fry with remaining samosas;
Second fry: Colour and crisp – Once you’ve done the first fry with all the Samosas, increase the oil heat to 190°C/375°F. Then fry the Samosas in batches of 3 or 4 for around 1 1/2 to 2 minutes until golden. The Samosas are already cooked through, this step is just to colour and really crisp up that pastry;
Drain on paper towels and serve piping hot for optimum eating experience!
Dipping Sauce for Samosas
The recipe includes a Tamarind Dipping Sauce which is a popular condiment to serve alongside Samosas. The sauce is a bit tart, which nicely cuts through the rich flaky pastry and balances the spice infused filling.
For a simpler option, you could just blitz up yogurt with fresh mint leaves for a quick Raita of sorts (Indian Mint Sauce).
How to serve Samosas
Samosas, like Pakoras, are typically served as a starter or snack, being the terrific hand-held size that they are. Though mind you, I’ve seen plenty of gigantic Samosas in my time. I can’t deal with the thought of the volume of oil required to fry those beasts! 😂
I’m sharing this Samosa recipe as part of an Indian Week, so you can make your very own Indian feast! Just to recap, here’s what we’ve got on the menu:
Palak Paneer – The iconic Indian Spinach Curry with your very own homemade cheese curd (puts store bought to shame!);
Naan – The softest, fluffiest, chewiest naan you will ever make!
Indian Cabbage Salad – This one will surprise you, it’s so incredibly delicious; and
Samosas – to kick start your party!
And with this Samosa recipe, that’s a wrap on Indian Week. I hope you’ve enjoyed the recipes as much as I have creating them … oh yes, and shooting them and filming them and making them over and over to check them … and DEVOURING them!! 😂 – Nagi x
Watch how to make it
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Samosa Recipe
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups flour , plain/all purpose
- 1 tsp ajwain seeds (Note 1)
- 1/2 tsp salt , cooking/kosher
- 4 tbsp ghee (melted and cooled) or oil (any vegetable) (Note 2)
- 6 tbsp water (cold tap water)
Potato Filling:
- 500g/1 potatoes , starchy/all-rounder (Note 3)
- 2 tbsp vegetable/canola oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp black mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger , finely grated
- 1 tbsp green chilli , finely chopped (serrano or cayenne)
- 1/2 cup frozen green peas (thawed)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp amchur (Note 4)
- 1/2 tsp asafoetida (Note 5)
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt , kosher/cooking
- 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves , finely chopped
Frying:
- Vegetable/Canola oil for frying (at least 1 litre/1 quart)
Serving:
- Tamarind Dipping Sauce – see separate recipe card below
Instructions
Potato Filling:
- Boil potato until soft: Peel then cut potatoes in half. Place in a pot of cold water, bring to boil then cook until very soft, ~10 minutes.
- Mash roughly: Remove the potatoes onto a plate and roughly mash with a fork, leaving some large chunks (we want some textural interest).
- Cook spice seeds: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds & coriander seeds. Stir the spices for about 30 seconds or until fragrant – don't let them burn!
- Add the ginger, chilli, peas and continue to stir a further minute or so until the chilli is soft.
- Add remaining spices: Add the garam masala, amchur, asafoetida, cumin powder, turmeric and salt. Cook a further 30 seconds.
- Add potato and gently stir to coat in spices for about 1 minute.
- Cool: Remove from the stove, stir in chopped coriander leaves. Spread potato mixture out on a plate and let it cool completely before using.
Samosa Dough:
- Mix dry ingredients: Place the flour, salt and ajwain seeds into a bowl and stir to combine.
- Rub ghee into flour: Add the ghee or oil and mix with your fingertips until the dough resembles breadcrumbs. (This step is key to making flaky samosa pastry.)
- Form a ball: Add the water and mix with the flour until you form a ball of dough. It should be pliable and soft, but not so sticky it sticks to your hands,.
- Rest 30 minutes: Cover the dough in the bowl with glad wrap and leave to rest for 30 minutes.
Making the Samosas – see video:
- Cut into 6: Cut the dough into 6 equal portions, then roll each into a ball. Keep the balls on a plate covered with cling wrap so they don't dry out.
- Place between paper: Place one ball on a sheet of parchment/baking paper. Press down to flatten, then cover with another sheet of paper. Do not flour the work surface – it will dry the pastry out.
- Roll out: Roll the dough into a disc about 2mm / 1/10" thick (~16cm /6.5” diameter).
- Cut in half: Cut through the centre to create two semicircles (2 samosas per disc).
- Make cone: Brush the straight side with water, then fold straight edge to join itself and form a cone. Overlap the edges by about 1 cm / 2/5" then press edges to seal.
- Fill with potato: Make an "O" with your forefinger and thumb, then hold the cone in the "O". Fill with about 2 tbsp of Potato Mixture, lightly pressing in.
- Seal: Brush the open pastry edge with water, then press together so your Samosa is fully sealed. Place sealed edge down on work surface and press down to fold. Trim off excess pastry, fold in corners. Pinch the top corner to make it pointy.
- Repeat with remaining Samosas – you should make 12 in total.
Frying:
- Heat oil to medium: In a deep pan or pot, heat 5cm / 2" oil to 160°C/320°F). (Note 7)
- Fry 1: Carefully drop 3 – 4 samosas in the oil and cook for 3 minutes, moving them around occasionally (if they touch the base of the pot for too long, they get brown spots).
- Drain and repeat: Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining samosas.
- Increase oil heat: Increase the oil temperature up to 190°C/375°F.
- Fry 2: Carefully place 3 – 4 samosas at the time into the oil, and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes until they are deep golden. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining Samosas.
- Serve hot with Tamarind Sauce or a Mint Raita (see separate recipe card below this one)
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
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Tamarind Dipping Sauce for Samosas
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable/canola oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp chilli powder *optional
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp asafoetida (Note 1)
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- 1 cup water
- 2 – 3 tbsp tamarind paste/concentrate (Note 2)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the ginger, chilli, cumin, asafoetida and garam masala, stir and cook gently for 1 minute to release the flavours and toast the spices.
- Add the water, tamarind paste and brown sugar and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the sauce turns thick and syrupy – it should be the consistency of sweet soy/ketchup manis (ie. like very runny honey). Taste and adjust the tamarind to suit.
- Cool the sauce before using. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Serve with hot Samosas.
Nutrition Information:
Life of Dozer
Most people look for a pot of gold at the foot of a rainbow. Dozer is just thinking – “snacks?!
Kay says
Hi. This looks awesome. Will this paste do ok with baking?
Nagi says
Hi Kay – I’m unsure what you mean here – what paste? N x
Theresa V says
It sounds so good, unfortunately I’m allergic to seeds & nuts. I’m so happy to hear that Dozer is doing well.
Nagi says
Thanks so much Theresa, thankfully he’s back to normal 🙂 N x
Deb says
Samosas! Exquisite pockets of splendid deliciousness. 🙂
Thank you always Nagi, for your hard work creating awesome meals. I love how they are wonderfully informative, splendidly easy to follow. Beautiful photo, and always a pleasure seeing dear Dozer. Sweet hugs and kisses for him. Glad he is ok.
Nagi says
Thanks so much Deb! N x
Macy says
Dozer ate compost? Oh no. That must’ve been in your newsletter? I’ll need to sign up.
Once I put cocoa shell mulch in my parent’s rose garden…to go out and find one of my weiner dogs laying in the mulch eating it. To say I freaked is an understatement lol. She was ok, and I dont remember what I did with the mulch. We had 2 dachsunds who lived a nice long life. I sure miss having a dog, but I have 2 sweet kittie girls who act like sweet puppies❤
Nagi says
Oh I love Dachshunds – sounds like they may of been as cheeky as Dozer 😂 N x
Carol says
😱🤢🤮it’s always drama after drama when you have animals my retriever eats grass like a cow and she is like a vacuum cleaner and if we get take away food she sits there guarding it.Any way I’m glad beautiful Dozer is alright 💙❤️
Nagi says
Thanks so much Carol 🙂 N x
Mike says
I think I’m in love with you…. you’re amazing
Ed says
Lol my girlfriend hates Nagi!! But she loves her food 🤣🤣
Nagi says
Oh shucks Mike 🥰
Pam says
Hi Nagi, Love your recipes, all good so far.
Gluten Free – would just using gluten free flour work ?
Pam
Nagi says
Hi Pam, I haven’t tried to be honest but I find that gluten free flour changes the texture of dough so I’m unsure it will work with this one. N x
Carol says
I’m not the best pastry maker anyway but I used gluten free flour and the pastry was inedible. Really enjoyed the filling though.
Lisa says
These recipes all look amazing. I know you put a lot of work into them… but I hear “7 bunches of spinach” and “double-fry” and I’m like, not happening.
I’m going to be honest, I just ordered Indian takeout with all of these items! LOL, good job on drumming up business for my local Indian. Cheers to your hard work anyway. 🙂
Nagi says
Fair enough Lisa, homemade will always beat takeout though – and it’s so much more satisfying to make at home too! N x
Gillian says
Truly amazing freckle for the samosa..you have outdone yourself I am bi-racial and am ashamed to admit that I can’t make samosa like you ad always big woof to master Dozer from old faithful man Luca 😉😀
Nagi says
But now you can Gillian!! I hope you try them 🙂 N x
Debbie says
Would a gluten-free measure for measure (King Arthur) flour work for this recipe? I miss samosas and this recipe sounds fabulous! Will likely try air frying. Sweet Dozer, hope he continues to feel wonderful. Big hug to him!
Nagi says
I haven’t tried sorry Debbie, I have never had much success making dough out of GF flour. N x
NAZNIN LILA says
So glad to head Dozer is okay after getting 2.5 lbs of compost in him. He is so gorgeous. Enjoy him, cause time goes by too fast.
Yummy samosas !!
Nagi says
It really does Naznin! N x
Leslie says
These look great and I love your delve into Indian food – thank you! Since baking is doable but not the best option, and since I shy away from deep frying foods, would an air fryer work? So happy the Dozer is doing well – I love love love reading your blog, even the food part! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Nagi says
Hi Leslie, I imagine it would work the same way as baking – would love to know if you give it a go!! N x
Linda Ball says
Dozer is a very lucky guy. Really love him and look forward to seeing his adventures. And, of course, luv you too!
Nagi says
He always steals the show doesn’t he Linda 😂 N x
Sarah Owen says
OMG!!!! That Dozer sure is a rascal!!! Glad everything came out ok!!!🤮🙄
Excited about samosa recipe!!!
Love them!!!🤤
Nagi says
He’s back to normal now Sarah 🙂 N x
Paula says
Hi Nagi, can’t wait to try these. Can I use gluten free flour. Instead of potato could you use sweet potato? Do you have to deep fry them? Bake in oven?
Nagi says
Hi Paula, it would be a completely different recipe – I’ve mentioned in a couple of comments above that GF flour just doesn’t work the same way with dough so unsure it will work in this recipe Paula. N x
Sue R says
Not made it yet but I can tell it’s going to be perfect and it’s pinned to do ASAP. Thank you so much missy!
Nagi says
You’re so welcome Sue, Enjoy!! N x
Jen says
Hi Nagi, love all of your recipes and can’t wait to try these. Could I air fry these of deep frying?
Nagi says
Hi Jen, I imagine so – I have the baking instructions in the notes too 🙂 N x
Jen says
Thanks Nagi, these were delicious. I tried in both air fryer (200c for 25 mins) and oven (200c for 20 mins) and the airfryer was a much better result. I think I could have even reduced to 15 mins in airfryer…there is always next time!
Kim says
Nagi,
I have a fear of deep frying (probably due to that ‘oh my goodness the chips!’ TV ad from many years ago). I know you give an oven version but could it be made with puff pastry sheets? If so, brush with butter, egg, or spray with oil? Should I call them curry puffs instead?
Nagi says
Hi Kim, you could use puff pastry here – but it is very different to samosa pastry. I would brush with an egg and bake 🙂 N x
Mel says
Looks amazing! And I’m sure they will be as all your recipes are fantastic. Just wondering if you can freeze??
Nagi says
Hi Mel, you could freeze uncooked or cook the whole way and then freeze. 🙂 N x
Jenny says
Hi Nagi. Loved the recipe. Just wanted to say that the recipe is for Punjabi samosa. Hope you could make a recipe for the other type of samosa as well. Thanks
Nagi says
There are so many different types Jenny! Pop a request on my recipe request page though – I may have to do another Indian week 😉 N x
Kiran says
It’s actually the Indian Punjabi samosa because it has potatoes and peas. The Pakistani Punjabi samosa is made with just potatoes, and the spices are slightly different otherwise same technique and dough. The non-veg samosas are more common in the Muslim population in India, and that’s why they can be seen in Pakistan too.
Frieda Robinson says
Hi Jenny
I made samosas last weekend and I add beef mince to the mix, just use less potatoes.
Sue R says
Jenny, maybe you should say what the other sort is. I love samosa but this is the only sort I’ve tried so far. Share more info please?