International Business Seminars

Samosas: A Taste of India

Samosas are a delicious and versatile snack. A samosa is a fried South Asian pastry with a savory filling. They are a staple of Indian cuisine, but they are also popular in many other parts of the world.

History of Samosas

Samosas are thought to have originated in Central Asia. They were likely brought to India by traders and travelers, and they quickly became a popular street food. Samosas are now enjoyed all over India, and they are also popular in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Samosa Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, plus more for greasing the pan
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 carrot, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the vegetable oil and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add water as needed to form a dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into thin circles.
4. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it is softened.
5. Add the potato, carrot, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
6. Place a spoonful of the vegetable filling in the center of each circle of dough. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle. Crimp the edges to seal.
7. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F. Fry the samosas in batches until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain the samosas on paper towels and serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.

Tips

• For a vegetarian filling, omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as peas, corn, or bell peppers.
• To make the samosas ahead of time, fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. Then, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the samosas in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes.
• Serve samosas with your favorite dipping sauce, such as chutney, yogurt, or tamarind sauce.