Go Back
+ servings
Sambusa

Sambusa Bliss: Crispy Pastry Perfection for Every Palette

Sambusas are delightful crispy pastries filled with savory spiced meat or vegetables, making them a versatile snack for everyone.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 10 pieces
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: African, Middle Eastern
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Lamb (or Chicken) Can substitute with lentils or vegetables for vegetarian option.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped, can use shallots for a milder taste.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing the filling.
  • Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Cinnamon, Turmeric) Adjust amounts based on taste preferences.
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro Chiffonaded, can substitute with parsley or green onions.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 tbsp Ginger Minced.
  • 1 cup Peas Optional, can substitute with corn or diced carrots.
  • 1/4 cup Raisins Optional, add for sweetness.
For the Wrapper
  • 10 pieces Spring Roll Wrappers or Samosa Pastry Pre-made wrappers simplify cooking.
  • Salt and Pepper For seasoning.
For Frying
  • Vegetable Oil For frying the sambusas.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Deep frying pan or pot
  • slotted spoon
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sambusa
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and ginger along with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 pound of ground beef (or your chosen meat option) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
  4. Once the meat is cooked, stir in optional peas, raisins, chiffonaded cilantro, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly and allow the filling to cool for about 10 minutes.
  5. While your filling cools, prepare your spring roll wrappers by cutting them in half or into thirds, laying them out on a clean surface.
  6. Take a spoonful of filling and place it in the center of each wrapper. Fold into a triangle shape, pinching the edges tightly to seal.
  7. In a deep frying pan or pot, heat enough vegetable oil to fully submerge the sambusas, aiming for 365°F (170°C). Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sambusas, placing them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Consider freezing uncooked sambusas for later use; fry directly from frozen with adjusted cooking time.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!