World-Bites/Samosas(India)

This is my maiden blog post of the series of posts I propose to publish under the title World-Bites, a collection of bite-size dishes and appetizers from around the world. Those pressed for time will find World-Bites simple yet impressive preparations which would come handy any time of the day as in- between -the meals snacks or some even as substitutes for the main meals. Even better, a number of nearly 100 recipes require little prep time and assume basic know-how on the part of the home chef. Some recipes may involve many ingredients which are not always the easiest to find and are time consuming , the result however, is so much worth it. World-Bites is for whoever loves cooking and understands the dedication that good food that amuses and impresses takes, even when it is not a full meal. There is a recipe for every taste or international food preference for which I profusely thank my friends from far and near who helped me with their valued input to make World-Bites truly representative of different regions in the world. Still, to make it more inclusive of food from different cultures and countries, I request readers to make this post their own page by contributing recipes from their region through comments to make World-Bites more meaningful and enjoyable for all. Indeed, I will be ever thankful for their heartfelt help.

To start the World-Bites series, what better snack could there be than the world famous Samosas from India – the deep-fried stuffed patties (meat/vegetable)

Samosas (India)

Meat Stuffing

2lbs ground lamb or chicken
2 medium sized yellow onions (finely minced)
6 pods of garlic (minced)
2 large tomatoes (finely chopped)
1 green chili (minced)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon black pepper powder
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 teaspoons coriander powder
2 green cardamoms
6 tablespoons oil

Heat the oil in heavy-based saucepan on medium heat. Add minced onions, cumin seeds, black pepper and cardamoms. Stir-fry for 10 minutes or till onions are golden brown. Add meat and stir-fry for 10 minutes. Add garlic, green chili and tomatoes. Stir-fry for 10 minutes. Cover the pan and let meat simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for a few more minutes till all liquid is dried up. Set aside for cooling.

Vegetable Stuffing

2lbs boiled potatoes (mashed)
1 cup green peas
2 green chilies (chopped)
1 large onion (chopped)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
1 teaspoon red chili powder
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
4 tablespoons oil

Stir-fry all the ingredients for 5 minutes.

Ingredients for Dough

3 cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons oil
½ teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cup water

Make firm dough (kneading for about 5 minutes). Divide the dough into 30 small balls. Roll each ball into 4-inch round. Cut each roll to half. Make a coned shaped triangle of each half roll and fill it with the cooked meat/vegetable stuffing. Seal the triangle's open side pressing with moistened fingers. Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan to 300 degrees. Deep-fry Samosas till golden brown.
Serve with mint and cilantro chutney/tomato ketchup.