Enjoy the flavors of India with these crispy lentil samosas. Filled with a savory mixture of spiced lentils and vegetables, these deep-fried pastries are perfect as an appetizer or snack. The combination of crunchy outer shell and flavorful filling creates a mouthwatering culinary experience. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the authentic taste of Indian street food in the comfort of your own kitchen. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with this delightful treat.
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- - 2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- For the filling:
- - 1 cup cooked lentils
- - 1 small onion, finely chopped
- - 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- - 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- - 1 small potato, boiled and mashed
- - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- - 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- - 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- - Salt to taste
- - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For deep frying:
- - Vegetable oil
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, and salt. Gradually add lukewarm water to the mixture and knead to form a smooth dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
- Add the chopped carrot and cook for a few minutes until it softens.
- Now, add the mashed potato and cooked lentils to the pan. Mix well.
- Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir until the spices are well combined with the filling mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes and remove from heat.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle of about 6 inches in diameter.
- Cut each circle in half to form semi-circles.
- Take a semi-circle and fold it into a cone shape, overlapping the edges slightly. Seal the edges by pressing them together.
- Fill the cone with the lentil filling, leaving some space at the top to seal it properly.
- Apply a little water on the inner side of the open edge and press to seal the cone. Repeat the process for the remaining dough and filling.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the filled samosas into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried samosas from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
- Serve the hot and crispy lentil samosas with your favorite chutney or sauce.
- Enjoy the flavorful and delicious lentil samosas as a snack or appetizer.
Interesting Facts
Samosas are a popular snack in Indian cuisine and are often enjoyed with tea in the evenings.
The shape of a samosa is said to resemble a pyramid or a fold of a traditional gown worn in Central Asia.
Samosas can be filled with a variety of savory fillings, including potato, peas, lentils, and meat.
Deep frying the samosas in oil gives them their signature crispy texture.
Samosas are traditionally served with tamarind chutney or mint chutney.
In some parts of India, samosas are also served with spicy chickpea curry as a main course.