If you’re unsure what a vegetable samosa is, it’s a savory snack that’s popular throughout South Asia, but commonly associated with Indian cuisine. Crispy in texture and triangular in shape, it’s a pastry filled with a spiced vegetable mixture and deep-fried. There are lots of ways to make samosas and for a shorter recipe than the one shared above take a look at our guide to making easy samosas.
For the crispiest samosa with vegetables, don’t rush the process of making the perfect pastry. Use cold water when kneading the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes, as outlined in the recipe above, to stop bubbles forming when frying the samosas.
Filling Preparation and Spices
Vegetable samosas traditionally feature a mixture of potatoes, green peas, and carrots, but you can vary the ingredients as preferred. It’s best to cook the vegetables with a mixture of spices, to infuse flavor. Some chefs will even mash the potatoes for a smoother mouthfeel. Make sure the filling has cooled before you add it to the pastry to prevent it from becoming soggy.
The classic spice mix for samosas features ingredients such as ground cumin, garam masala, and red chili powder, or you can keep it simple with just a touch of curry powder.
Folding and Frying Techniques
To create the signature triangular shape of the samosas, it’s easiest to roll the dough out into circles then cut them into semi-circles to form into a cone shape. You can then fill the pastry and seal the sides with a touch of water to prevent the filling from escaping.
Fry the samosas in batches, so the oil temperature remains consistent. The oil should be hot enough to fry the pastry parcels, but not smoking.
Serving and Storage Tip
Vegetable samosas are perfect when served hot with a side of chutney. Both the freshness of a mint chutney, or the fruity notes of a mango chutney pair well with the spiced vegetable mix.
Any leftover samosas can be stored in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. You can reheat the samosas gently in an air fryer or oven on low heat when ready to enjoy again.
