The Perfect Samosa Curry: Ingredients and Recipe

India's favorite savory snack, the beloved samosa, is a staple in every bakery and chaat shop. When you think of a perfect, comforting snack, you can’t help but think of these delectable, crispy treats. Prepared with a mix of herbs and spices, the filling is perfectly balanced with its savory and spicy flavors. Samosas are traditionally store-bought, but it's always delightful to try making them at home for a touch of authenticity.

What You'll Need

Prep: Cooking: 1 hr 15 mts

Makes approx 12 Samosas

Ingredients for the Exterior

1 cup maida (all-purpose flour) 2 tbsp oil Large pinch ajwain (carom seeds) - optional Enough water to knead the maida Salt to taste

Ingredients for the Filling

3 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed 1 onion, finely chopped Garam masala: 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp red chili powder 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera) 1-2 tbsp oil or clarified butter (ghee) Pinch of salt

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the maida (all-purpose flour), salt, and oil. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, adding water as needed. Divide the dough into small balls the size of a golf ball. Let the dough rest for 20 minutes to relax the gluten.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a pan, heat 1-2 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to crackle. Add the fine chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add the mashed potatoes and mix well. Add the garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything together until the filling is well seasoned. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

3. Prepare the Samosas: Take one of the dough balls and roll it out into a 5-6 inch circle using a rolling pin. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of the circle. Fold the dough around the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and seal the edges by pressing them with your fingers, folding any additional dough over the filling. Repeat with the remaining dough balls and filling.

4. Fry the Samosas: In a deep pan, heat oil until it reaches 360°F (180°C). Carefully drop the samosas into the oil and fry until they become golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

5. Serve: Serve the samosas hot with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as raita, tamarind chutney, or ketchup. Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy exterior and perfectly flavored filling.

Additional Notes

The key to a perfect samosa is in the dough preparation. Taking the time to rest the dough and sealing the edges properly ensures that the samosas stay crisp and do not fall apart during frying. Feel free to adjust the seasoning and spices to your taste. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or meat.

Conclusion

Making samosas at home is a delightful culinary experience. Whether enjoyed as a light snack or a filling meal, these crispy delicacies are guaranteed to please your taste buds and bring a little piece of India to your kitchen. So why not try making your own samosas today and see how easy and rewarding it can be?