Ramadan, a time of reflection and spiritual renewal, is also a time for cherished traditions and delicious feasts. Breaking the fast (Iftar) often involves a vibrant array of culinary delights, and among the most beloved are crispy, golden-brown samosas. These savory pastries, filled with a flavorful spiced potato mixture, are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the richness of the Iftar meal with a satisfying crunch. Their irresistible aroma alone is enough to entice even the most disciplined faster. This year, elevate your Iftar experience with homemade samosas that are far superior to anything you can buy.
Forget store-bought versions – creating these crispy potato samosas from scratch is easier than you might think, resulting in a far more rewarding and flavorful experience. From the delicate art of crafting the perfectly thin pastry to the precise blend of spices within the potato filling, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring your samosas are flawlessly crispy and bursting with flavor. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- pan
- rolling pin
- knife
Ingredients
- oil: 2 tablespoons
- celery: 1/4 tsp
- cumin: 1/4 tsp
- onion: 1 medium (finely chopped)
- salt: 1/2 tsp
- turmeric: 1/2 tsp
- ginger-garlic paste: 1 tsp
- red chili powder: 1 tsp
- chaat masala: 1 tsp
- water: 1 tsp (if needed)
- potatoes: 2 large (boiled and mashed)
- peas: 1/2 cup (boiled and lightly mashed)
- coriander leaves: a handful
- green chilies: 2-3 (finely chopped)
- flour: 1 1/2 cups
- ghee or oil: 2 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Samosa Filling
- Heat oil in a pan. Add celery and cumin seeds, crackle them. Add chopped onions and sauté until slightly transparent (not browned).
- Add salt, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, and chaat masala. Mix well and cook for 1-1.5 minutes. Add water if the masala becomes dry.
- Add boiled mashed potatoes and peas. Mix well for 1-1.5 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in coriander leaves and green chilies.
Step 2. Make and Shape the Samosa Dough
- Mix flour, salt, celery, and ghee/oil. Gradually add water to form a stiff dough. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 8 portions. Roll each portion into a thin, lengthwise rectangle.
- Cut each rectangle in half lengthwise. Apply water to the edges of each strip and form a cone shape by overlapping the edges, creating a pocket.
Step 3. Fill and Seal the Samosas
- Fill each cone with the potato mixture and seal the edges tightly.
Step 4. Fry and Serve the Samosas
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully add samosas to the oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes without disturbing, then gently flip and continue frying until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with curd or mint raita.
Read more: Crispy Chilli Chana Recipe: Restaurant-Style Crunchy Chickpeas
Tips
- To prevent hard samosas, use less dry flour when rolling the dough. A stiff dough helps prevent sticking.
- Fry samosas on medium heat to ensure even cooking. Increase the heat towards the end for crispiness. Remove from oil immediately to avoid oil absorption.
- Make smaller samosas for Iftar to allow everyone to taste a variety of dishes.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make the samosa dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
2. What if my samosas don't get crispy?
Make sure your oil is hot enough (350-375°F/175-190°C) before frying. Don't overcrowd the pan, and fry in batches for even cooking and crisping. Also, ensure the dough is thin enough.
3. Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! While potato is classic, you can experiment with other fillings like lentils, peas, or even minced meat. Just adjust the spices to complement your chosen filling.
These crispy potato samosas are the perfect addition to your Ramadan Iftar, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will impress your family and guests. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and the aromatic spices as you share this beloved treat during this special time. Happy Ramadan!