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4.50 from 14 votes

Traditional Indian Samosas

Nothing beats my traditional Indian Samosas, especially with the healthier twist I’ve given them. They’re the ultimate blend of classic flavors and wholesome goodness. These flaky samosas are stuffed with a spicy-sweet mix of potatoes, onions, and peas, all tucked inside my perfectly crisp homemade pastry.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack, snacks
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 24 samosas
Calories: 111kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

For The Filling

For The Dough

For Frying Method Only

  • 2 cups avocado or coconut oil

Instructions

For The Samosas

  • In a medium saucepan, combine split peas and water. Bring them to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until peas are tender, about 35 to 45 minutes. Drain peas, and set aside.
  • Boil potatoes with 1 teaspoon salt until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the dough. Combine flour and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Make a well in the center and add yogurt and oil. Mix ingredients until they form a ball. Add water ½ tablespoon water if needed to bring the dough together.
  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it until it is smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Cover dough, and set it aside for 30 minutes while preparing the filling.
  • Prepare the filling by heating 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a heavy skillet.
  • Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent. Add the ginger and chili, continue stirring for another minute.
  • Next, add coriander, garam masala, and salt, and cook, stirring, for about a half minute more.
  • Transfer the cooled potatoes to a mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher. Add the cooked peas, cooked onion mixture and chopped cilantro, mix well and adjust seasoning to taste. Set filling aside.
  • If baking the samosa preheat the oven to 350 F / 180 C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
  • On lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle measuring about 12 x 18 inches. Cut dough into 3-inch squares.
  • Place 1 tablespoon of filling on each square. Use your fingers to moisten edges of dough with water, and fold dough diagonally in half to make a triangle. Press edges firmly together to seal in the filling.

Instructions For Frying

  • Heat 1 inch oil in a heavy skillet until it is hot but not smoking, about 350° to 380° F. Fry samosas until golden, turning once. Drain samosas on paper towels, and keep them hot.

Instructions To Oven Bake:

  • Arrange the samosa on the prepared baking tray. Lightly spray all sides with spray oil and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
  • Transfer samosas to a heated serving dish, and serve them with chutney or tomato ketchup.

Video

Notes

  • My #1 Secret Tip for this recipe is to make sure the dough and filling are properly prepared: The dough must be smooth, pliable, and rested for 30 minutes to make it easy to roll and seal without breaking. The filling should be flavorful, well-cooked, and completely cooled before assembly to avoid tearing the dough or making it soggy.
  • Don't over knead the dough. Only knead for 3-4 minutes at the most. Note: If it’s too dry, you can add water in small increments as you knead it (no more than ½ tbsp at a time).
  • Don't overmash potatoes - I personally like to leave the filling a little chunky vs. making the potatoes super smooth. I find it gives the samosas a better texture and bite.
  • Roll the dough evenly to about 1/8-inch thickness. Too thick and the samosas won't cook properly; too thin and they might tear.
  • If you choose to fry these, do not fry the samosas in extremely hot oil. They come out best in medium hot oil. Check the oil by dropping a small piece of dough. It should not sizzle immediately. If it does, the oil is too hot.
  • Note: Nutritional information based on baking method, not frying method.

Nutrition

Serving: 1samosa | Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0.2mg | Sodium: 151mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g