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Sambusa

Crispy Sambusa with Spiced Filling: A Flavorful Adventure

Sambusa: These crispy pastries filled with spiced meat offer a delightful snack experience.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 sambusas
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Lamb (or Chicken) Substitute with ground turkey or textured vegetable protein for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium Onion, finely chopped Shallots can be a milder choice.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can be swapped with vegetable oil or ghee.
  • 1 tbsp Ground Cumin Replace with ground coriander for a twist.
  • 1 tbsp Ground Coriander Adjust the quantity to match your taste preference.
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon Nutmeg can be a suitable substitute.
  • 1 tsp Ground Turmeric Feel free to omit if unavailable.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro Parsley can work in a pinch.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Garlic powder is a convenient backup option.
  • 1 tbsp Ginger, grated Ground ginger can also be used instead.
  • 1/2 cup Peas (optional) Substitute with green beans or skip if desired.
  • 1/4 cup Raisins (optional) Dried cranberries are a good alternative.
For the Wrapping
  • 1 pack Spring Roll Wrappers or Samosa Pastry Aim for thin wrappers for optimal crispiness. Gluten-free wrappers are great for special dietary needs.
  • Salt and Pepper to taste Essential for flavor balancing.
For Frying
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil for Frying Consider air frying for a healthier option.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sambusa
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and ground turmeric. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
  3. Add your choice of ground beef, lamb, or chicken to the skillet. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes or until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
  4. Mix in optional ingredients like peas, raisins, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow this mixture to cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
  5. While the filling cools, set out your spring roll wrappers or samosa pastry sheets and cut them into squares or triangles.
  6. Take a spoonful of the cooled filling and place it in the center of each wrapper. Fold the wrapper and moisten the edges with water to seal.
  7. In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 365°F (170°C). Fry sambusas for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Remove the fried sambusas from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve them warm alongside your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sambusaCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Fried sambusas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated oven to restore crispiness.

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