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Nepali Samosa

The Quirky Foodster Team

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2
Servings

Ingredients

  • Plain flour — 250 g (9 oz)
  • Water — 120 ml (4 fl oz)
  • Oil, plus extra for deep frying — 2 tbsp
  • Potatoes, boiled and diced — 3
  • Peas — 75 g (2.5 oz)
  • Cumin seeds — 1 tsp
  • Curry powder — 1 tsp
  • Turmeric — 1/2 tsp
  • Salt — to taste
  • Flour mixed with water, for sealing — 1 tbsp

Method

  1. Make the dough by combining flour, 2 tbsp oil, salt and water into a smooth, firm dough; rest for 20 minutes.
  2. Heat a little oil in a frying pan and toast the cumin seeds briefly, then add the curry powder and turmeric.
  3. Add the diced potato and peas, stirring to coat, and cook for 5 minutes; season with salt and mash slightly.
  4. Roll the dough thin and cut into strips, folding into triangular pockets and filling with the potato mixture.
  5. Seal the edges with the flour-water paste.
  6. Heat oil to 175°C (350°F) and deep-fry the samosas until golden and crisp, about 4–5 minutes.
  7. Drain on paper towels before serving with chutney.

Introduction: Crisp, triangular pastries filled with spiced potato and peas, a favourite Nepali street snack found at tea shops and markets.

Cultural Background: Samosas reflect South Asian culinary influence deeply embedded in Nepali street food culture, sold hot from stalls and enjoyed with a tangy chutney, especially popular during the cooler months.

Tips: Seal the edges well to stop the filling escaping during frying. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling so it doesn't make the dough soggy.

Variations: Add a little grated cheese to the filling for a modern twist. Serve with tamarind or mint-coriander chutney.

Storage: Store cooled samosas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 190°C (375°F) for 8–10 minutes, or an air fryer for 5 minutes.

FAQs:

Q: Can samosas be baked instead of fried?

A: Yes, brush lightly with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, turning once.

Q: What is samosa typically served with?

A: A tangy tamarind or mint-coriander chutney.