Crispy & Flavorful Samosas Recipe – Traditional Indian Snack
Samosas are one of the most popular and beloved snacks in Indian cuisine. These crispy, deep-fried pastries are filled with a savory mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. Originating in Central Asia and making their way to the Indian subcontinent, samosas have become a staple street food and party favorite. Whether served with tangy chutneys or enjoyed as an evening snack, samosas are a treat loved by people of all ages.
In this Samosas Recipe, we will guide you through the steps to make perfectly crispy and delicious samosas at home. You’ll learn how to prepare the dough, cook the filling, and shape the samosas to achieve that classic triangular look.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Active Time: 40 minutes
- Resting Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Indian, South Asian
- Course: Snack, Appetizer
- Servings: 12 samosas
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Frying pan
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup oil or ghee
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain) – optional
- ½ cup water (adjust as needed)
For the Filling:
- 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt to taste
For Frying:
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour, salt, and carom seeds (if using).
- Pour in the oil or ghee and mix well with your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add water and knead into a firm but smooth dough.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a few seconds.
- Stir in the boiled and mashed potatoes along with green peas.
- Add all the dry spices: coriander powder, garam masala, amchur, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
- Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and green chili.
- Let the filling cool completely before stuffing the samosas.
Step 3: Shape the Samosas
- Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Roll out one dough ball into an oval shape, about 6 inches in length.
- Cut it in half to form two semi-circles.
- Take one semi-circle and apply water along the straight edge.
- Fold it into a cone shape, pressing the edges to seal.
- Fill the cone with about 2 tablespoons of the prepared filling.
- Apply water along the open edge and pinch to seal, forming a triangular samosa.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 4: Fry the Samosas
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-low heat.
- Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), gently add a few samosas.
- Fry them on low heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Repeat for all samosas.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup.
- Pair with a cup of chai for the ultimate snack experience!
Tips for Perfect Samosas
- Knead a firm dough: A stiff dough ensures a crispy crust.
- Rest the dough: Letting it rest for 20 minutes improves texture.
- Fry on low heat first: This prevents bubbles from forming on the crust.
- Use ghee instead of oil: For a richer taste, replace oil in the dough with ghee.
- Seal properly: Ensure no openings, or the filling might spill during frying.
Variations
- Keema Samosa: Swap potatoes with minced meat.
- Paneer Samosa: Add crumbled paneer for extra richness.
- Baked Samosas: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes instead of frying.
- Air-Fried Samosas: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes.
This Samosas Recipe brings authentic flavors and crispy perfection to your kitchen. Whether fried or baked, these delicious samosas are perfect for any occasion!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.