Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main filling for these Vegetable Samosas?
The filling is made of a delightful mixture of perfectly spiced potatoes and garden-fresh peas.
What ingredients are used for the samosa pastry?
The pastry consists of 8 ounces of plain flour, 4 tablespoons of cooking oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and water as needed to form a firm dough.
How long should the samosa dough rest?
The dough should rest for 20 minutes after initial kneading to ensure it becomes smooth and pliable.
What temperature is recommended for deep frying the samosas?
The oil should be heated to medium heat, which is approximately 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C.
How many calories are in a serving of these vegetable samosas?
Each serving contains 180 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 9 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these samosas?
There are 27 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What is the protein content of the samosas?
Each serving provides 2.7 grams of protein.
How do you prepare the potatoes for the filling?
Boil the potatoes in their skin, let them cool, then peel and cut them into small cubes.
What spices are used to season the potato filling?
The filling uses cumin seeds, asafoetida, ginger, green chilies, coriander powder, roasted cumin powder, garam masala, chili powder, and curry powder.
How do you seal the samosas to prevent them from opening?
Create a glue by mixing 1 tablespoon of plain flour with 2-3 tablespoons of water and apply it to the edges before pressing them together.
How thin should the samosa pastry be rolled?
The pastry should be rolled into a circle about 7-8 inches in diameter and approximately 2-3 mm thick.
Can I use amchoor instead of lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or amchoor (dry mango powder).
How many green chilies does the recipe call for?
The recipe requires 2 finely chopped green chilies.
What is the purpose of the cumin seeds in the filling?
Cumin seeds are used both for tempering in hot oil and as a dry-roasted, coarsely ground powder for flavor.
How do you test if the frying oil is hot enough?
Drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and floats to the top immediately, the oil is ready.
How long do you cook the potato and pea mixture?
The mixture should be cooked on low heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring gently to avoid mashing the potatoes.
What are the best side dishes to serve with samosas?
They are traditionally served with Green Mango Chutney, Mint Chutney, or Tomato Ketchup.
How many dough balls are formed from this recipe?
The dough should be divided into 8 to 9 equal portions, which results in 16 to 18 samosas since each circle is cut in half.
How much ginger is needed?
You need a 1-inch piece of ginger that has been peeled and grated.
Should the filling be hot or cold when assembling the samosas?
The potato mixture must be allowed to cool before you begin filling the pastry cones.
How do you prevent the dough from drying out while working?
Keep the dough balls and the finished samosas covered with a damp cloth.
What type of flour is required for the pastry?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of plain flour.
Is asafoetida powder mandatory?
No, asafoetida powder is listed as an optional ingredient for added flavor.
How much filling goes into each samosa?
Use approximately 2 tablespoons of the cooled potato mixture for each samosa.
What is the final texture of the samosa?
When fried correctly, the samosas should be golden brown and crisp.
How much salt is used in the filling?
The filling uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, or more to taste.
How much curry powder is included?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of curry powder.
Is fresh coriander used in the recipe?
Yes, one handful of de-stalked and chopped fresh coriander leaves is stirred in at the end of cooking the filling.
What is the best way to fry the samosas?
Fry them in batches without overcrowding the pan, turning occasionally for even cooking until they are golden brown.