Sambusa (Somali Beef or Lamb Pastries) Recipe

Introduction

Sambusa is a delicious, savory pastry filled with spiced meat and aromatic herbs. This crispy treat is perfect as a snack or appetizer and carries flavors inspired by Middle Eastern and East African cuisines. Try making these at home for a flavorful, satisfying bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or chicken)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup peas (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1 package of spring roll wrappers or samosa pastry
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onions. Cook for about 5 minutes until they are softened and slightly translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. Cook for another minute until the spices become fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is fully browned and cooked through.
4. Step 4: Mix in the peas, raisins, fresh cilantro, salt, and pepper. Remove the filling from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes to make folding easier.
5. Step 5: Cut the spring roll wrappers into halves or thirds, depending on the size you want your sambusas.
6. Step 6: Place a spoonful of the cooled filling near the edge of each wrapper piece. Fold the wrapper into a triangle shape, carefully sealing the edges with a little water to hold the filling inside.
7. Step 7: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the sambusas in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning once, until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Step 8: Drain the fried sambusas on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve them warm, ideally with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with spiced lentils or mashed potatoes and peas.
• Use store-bought samosa pastry for a more authentic texture, or spring roll wrappers for a lighter and thinner crust.
• Add a pinch of chili powder or fresh chopped chili to the filling for extra heat.
• Make sure the filling is cool before assembling to prevent the wrappers from tearing.

Storage

Store cooked sambusas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. Sambusa filling can be made ahead and stored separately for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake sambusas instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake sambusas for a healthier option. Brush them with a little oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway until golden and crispy.

What dipping sauces go well with sambusa?

Common dipping sauces include tamarind chutney, yogurt-based sauces like raita, or spicy chili sauce. Choose a sauce that complements the savory spices in the filling for the best experience.

Sambusa (Somali Beef or Lamb Pastries) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 125 reviews

Sambusa is a deliciously spiced savory pastry featuring a flavorful filling of seasoned ground meat and aromatic spices, folded into crispy triangular pockets and fried to golden perfection. This traditional dish offers a perfect combination of crispy pastry and savory meat, making it a delightful appetizer or snack popular in many cuisines.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 20 sambusas 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern / East African

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or chicken)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup peas (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Assembly

• 1 package of spring roll wrappers or samosa pastry
• Water (for sealing edges)

For Frying

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the filling.
2. Add Spices and Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spices become fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
3. Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef, lamb, or chicken to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink, ensuring it is cooked through.
4. Mix in Additional Ingredients: Stir in the peas and raisins, if using, along with chopped fresh cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes to make it easier to handle.
5. Prepare Wrappers: Cut the spring roll wrappers or samosa pastry into halves or thirds as needed to create manageable pieces for folding.
6. Fill and Fold Sambusas: Place a spoonful of the cooled filling onto each wrapper piece. Fold the wrapper carefully into a triangular shape, sealing the edges by brushing water along the folds to ensure they stay closed while frying.
7. Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan to a depth suitable for shallow frying and heat it over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
8. Fry Sambusas: Fry the assembled sambusas in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning them once during cooking, until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides.
9. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried sambusas using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with spiced lentils, potatoes, or mixed vegetables.
• The optional peas and raisins add a nice texture and sweetness but can be omitted if preferred.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough to prevent soggy sambusas but not too hot to burn them quickly.
• Use spring roll wrappers for a lighter, crisper shell or traditional samosa pastry for a thicker crust.
• Letting the filling cool before assembling prevents the wrappers from tearing.

Keywords: sambusa recipe, samosa, fried pastry, ground meat appetizer, spicy snack, Middle Eastern appetizers, East African snacks