Crispy Vegetable Samosa with Spiced Yogurt Dip

Cultural Background

Samosas are popular snacks across many cultures, with their roots traced back to the Middle East, yet they have found a special place in Zimbabwean cuisine. Using locally sourced vegetables and spices, these crispy treats embody the essence of Zimbabwean flavors. The combination of a crunchy shell and a savory filling makes them not only a delicious treat but also a great option for parties, gatherings, or even as a business venture through platforms like Zimbo Menu. You can easily share this recipe or sell your creations to others who appreciate flavorful meals!

Ingredients

For the Samosa Pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Water (as needed for dough)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Oil, for frying

For the Spiced Yogurt Dip:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Samosa Pastry

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, pour in the vegetable oil, and mix until crumbly.
2. Add water gradually, kneading the mixture to form a smooth, elastic dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

1. In a pot, boil the diced potatoes until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds until they splutter.
3. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
4. Stir in the cooked potatoes, green peas, carrots, coriander powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, then add chopped cilantro. Mix well and remove from heat. Let it cool.

Assembling the Samosas

1. Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin oval shape. Cut the oval in half to create two semi-circles.
2. Take one semi-circle, fold it into a cone shape, and seal the edge with water. Fill the cone with the vegetable mixture and seal the open end by pinching the edges together tightly.
3. Repeat until all dough and filling are used up. You should have about 12-15 samosas.

Frying the Samosas

1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the samosas in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Making the Spiced Yogurt Dip

1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, cumin powder, chili powder, salt, lemon juice, and chopped mint (if using). Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, as this ensures a crispy texture and prevents the samosas from absorbing too much oil.
• Feel free to customize the filling with your choice of vegetables or spices to reflect your taste preferences or to incorporate seasonal produce.
• These samosas freeze well! Prepare a batch ahead of time and freeze them. You can fry them directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Enjoy these Crispy Vegetable Samosas with Spiced Yogurt Dip, perfect for sharing with friends or family. This delicious recipe might inspire you to turn your culinary skills into a business opportunity on Zimbo Menu. Whether as a hobby or a professional venture, the potential is delicious!

About The Author

BOB

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