Meat-Filled Samosas

Samosas are a beloved snack or appetizer in South Asian and East African cuisines, featuring golden, flaky pastry filled with a spiced mixture of meat, peas, and herbs. These triangular pockets are deep-fried or baked until crisp and served hot with chutneys or sauces. They’re perfect for entertaining, special occasions, or even everyday snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Meat-filled samosas are irresistibly flavorful, crisp on the outside, and filled with a rich and aromatic mixture inside. Whether you are preparing them for guests, as part of a festive meal, or to enjoy with tea, they never fail to impress. With the right balance of spices, tender meat, and a crisp shell, they offer an authentic bite of culinary tradition that’s both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground meat (beef, lamb, or chicken)

• Onion, finely chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Ginger, grated

• Green peas (fresh or frozen)

• Ground cumin

• Garam masala

• Ground coriander

• Turmeric

• Red chili powder (optional)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Salt and pepper

• Oil (for cooking and frying)

• Samosa pastry sheets or homemade dough (flour, water, oil, salt)

• Water-flour paste for sealing

Directions

1. Prepare the filling: In a skillet, heat oil and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and ginger, then stir in the ground meat. Cook until browned. Add peas, spices, and salt. Cook until the mixture is dry. Stir in fresh cilantro and allow the filling to cool.

2. Make the dough (if not using ready-made wrappers): Mix flour with salt, oil, and water to form a stiff dough. Knead and let it rest for 30 minutes.

3. Shape the samosas: Divide dough into small balls. Roll each into a thin oval and cut in half. Form a cone with each half, seal with water-flour paste, fill with meat mixture, and seal the top.

4. Fry the samosas: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry samosas in batches until golden brown and crisp, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

5. Serve: Enjoy hot with mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or your favorite dip.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16–20 samosas
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes

Variations

• Use minced vegetables or lentils for a vegetarian option.

• Add potatoes for extra body in the filling.

• Use phyllo dough or spring roll wrappers for ease and convenience.

• Bake instead of fry for a lighter version.

• Spice it up with chopped green chilies or chili flakes.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

• Freezing: Freeze before or after frying. To freeze uncooked samosas, arrange in a single layer and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought wrappers?

Yes, spring roll wrappers or samosa pastry sheets can be used for convenience.

What meat is best for samosas?

Ground beef, lamb, or chicken are commonly used and all work well.

How do I keep samosas from becoming soggy?

Cool the filling completely before assembling and avoid overfilling. Fry at the correct oil temperature.

Can I bake samosas instead of frying?

Yes, brush with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Are samosas traditionally vegetarian?

Vegetarian samosas are very common, filled with potatoes, peas, and spices.

Can I make samosas in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and freeze them ahead of time, then fry or bake when needed.

What dipping sauces go well with samosas?

Mint chutney, tamarind sauce, yogurt sauce, or spicy tomato chutney pair beautifully.

Can I use leftover meat?

Yes, cooked shredded or ground meat can be spiced and used as a quick filling.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil work best for deep frying.

How do I ensure the pastry is crispy?

Roll the dough thinly, avoid excess moisture in the filling, and fry at proper temperature.

Conclusion

Meat-filled samosas are a timeless, crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings bold flavors and satisfying textures to any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as part of a traditional meal or as a standalone snack, these crispy parcels of spiced meat are always a hit. With endless variations and freezer-friendly convenience, they’re a valuable addition to your

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