Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful: The golden, flaky phyllo dough encases a rich and aromatic beef filling.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, gatherings, or as a satisfying snack.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or experiment with different proteins and fillings.
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf, crushed
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped green chile peppers
- 1 (16-ounce) package phyllo dough
- 1 quart oil for deep frying
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Prepare the Potatoes and Peas:
- Bring a medium saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add the potatoes and peas, cooking until potatoes are tender but firm (about 15 minutes).
- Drain, mash together, and set aside.
-
Cook the Beef Filling:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add cumin seeds and bay leaf, stirring until fragrant and slightly browned.
- Add the ground beef and onions, cooking until beef is browned and crumbly (about 5-7 minutes).
-
Season and Mix:
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, salt, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper.
- Mix in the mashed potato and pea mixture. Remove from heat and refrigerate for 1 hour to cool.
-
Prepare the Samosas:
- Mix cilantro and chopped green chile peppers into the beef filling.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the mixture onto each phyllo sheet.
- Fold the sheet into a triangle, pressing the edges together with moistened fingers to seal.
-
Fry the Samosas:
- Heat 1 quart of oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat.
- Carefully lower the samosas into the hot oil in batches.
- Fry until golden brown (about 3 minutes per batch).
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
-
Serve: Enjoy warm with chutney or dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 18 samosas
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Additional Time: 1 hour (cooling)
- Total Time: 2 hours
Variations
- Chicken or Lamb Samosas: Swap ground beef with chicken or lamb for a different taste.
- Vegetarian Samosas: Replace beef with more potatoes, peas, and lentils for a meat-free version.
- Baked Samosas: Instead of deep-frying, brush samosas with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover samosas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked samosas in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry or bake directly from frozen.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make these samosas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and freeze them before frying.
2. What dipping sauce goes well with samosas?
Mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or yogurt-based dips are excellent choices.
3. Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo dough?
Yes, puff pastry will create a flakier and richer texture.
4. Are these samosas spicy?
They have a mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing chili powder and green chilies.
5. Can I air-fry the samosas?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
6. What should I do if my samosas break while frying?
Make sure the edges are sealed properly and use enough oil to submerge them while frying.
7. Can I use store-bought samosa wrappers?
Yes, store-bought samosa wrappers can be used for convenience.
8. How do I keep samosas crispy after frying?
Place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent them from becoming soggy.
9. What can I serve with samosas?
They pair well with chai tea, a fresh salad, or a side of raita.
10. Can I bake the samosas instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Conclusion
Beef Samosas are a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying treat that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or meal. With a perfectly spiced filling and golden flaky crust, they are sure to impress at any gathering.
Beef Samosas
Beef Samosas are crispy, golden pastries filled with spiced ground beef, potatoes, and peas. A classic South Asian snack, these savory treats are perfect for appetizers, parties, or a satisfying meal. Enjoy them fried or baked with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 18 samosas
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf, crushed
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped green chile peppers
For the Pastry:
- 1 (16-ounce) package phyllo dough
- 1 quart oil for deep frying
Instructions
-
Prepare the Potatoes and Peas:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and peas, cooking until potatoes are tender but firm (about 15 minutes).
- Drain, mash together, and set aside.
-
Cook the Beef Filling:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add cumin seeds and bay leaf, stirring until fragrant and slightly browned.
- Add ground beef and onions, cooking until the beef is browned and crumbly (about 5-7 minutes).
-
Season the Mixture:
- Stir in garlic, ginger, salt, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper.
- Mix in the mashed potatoes and peas. Remove from heat and let cool for 1 hour.
-
Prepare the Samosas:
- Mix cilantro and green chile peppers into the cooled beef mixture.
- Place 1 tablespoon of filling onto each phyllo sheet.
- Fold into a triangle, sealing the edges with moistened fingers.
-
Fry the Samosas:
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Fry samosas in batches until golden brown (about 3 minutes per batch).
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
-
Serve:
- Enjoy warm with mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or yogurt-based dip.
Notes
- Alternative Fillings: Try chicken, lamb, or vegetarian options with lentils.
- Baking Option: Brush with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Make Ahead: Freeze uncooked samosas and fry or bake directly from frozen.