East Indian Vegetable Samosa Pastries Recipes

EAST INDIAN VEGETABLE SAMOSA PASTRIES

Steps:

• PEEL potatoes; CUT into quarters and cook until tender in gently boiling salted water; DRAIN; MASH potatoes coarsely in a large bowl; ADD 1 cup finely chopped onion, 3/4 cup thawed frozen peas, 2 diced seeded anaheim chilies, 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro and 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint.
• TOAST 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds in a skillet over medium heat, until seeds become aromatic and lightly pop; ADD to the other ingredients in large bowl; WHISK together the remaining spices in a cup or smaller bowl: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste (or 1/2 teaspoon each) and 1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt; POUR over ingredients in bowl; STIR mixture gently until mixture is thoroughly combined.
• MEASURE all of the EASY HOMEMADE PASTRY ingredients into large bowl of a food processor; PROCESS ingredients for one minute or until the dough forms into a ball.
• PLACE the dough onto clean smooth surface sprinkled with flour; ROLL into a sheet of dough between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick; SPRINKLE with flour to prevent rolling pin from sticking if needed.
• CUT dough sheet into circles by pressing a large drinking glass over dough, re-rolling scraps if needed; REPEAT process until all dough is used.
• PLACE oven rack to center position; PREHEAT oven to 400°F.
• SPOON about 1 tablespoon VEGETABLE SAMOSA FILLING on one half of each pastry circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border (add just enough filling without overstuffing); FOLD each pastry circle over in half to form a turnover; PRESS round edge of turnovers gently with a fork (if you have leftover filling, you may serve this as a tasty Indian potato salad later!).
• LIFT turnovers with a metal spatula; arrange on greased cookie sheet; BRUSH with olive oil.
• BAKE turnovers 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
• SERVE with Major Grey chutney or mint chutney and enjoy!

SAMOSAS: FRIED INDIAN VEGETABLE PASTRIES

Steps:

• To make the dough, sift the flour and salt into medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of the clarified butter and rub the mixture between the palms of your hands to evenly distribute, letting the fat-coated flour fall back into the bowl. Continue until the flour is evenly coated. Add 6 tablespoons of the water, mix, and work until the dough comes together. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 4 minutes into a firm dough. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
• To make the filling, in a large saute pan or skillet, heat the remaining 1/4 cup of clarified butter over medium-high heat. Add the coriander seeds and cook, stirring, for 10 seconds. Add the onions and ginger, and cook, stirring, until starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, chile peppers, garam masala, salt, turmeric, and cayenne, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 to 45 seconds. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring until the potatoes start to color and become dry, about 3 minutes. Add the peas and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add the cilantro and lemon juice. Stir to combine, then adjust the seasoning, to taste. Let sit until cool enough to handle.
• On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 1 minute. Divide into 2 equal portions and roll each into a 1/2-inch thick rope. Cut each into 8 equal parts and roll into smooth balls. Place each ball on the floured surface and roll into a thin circle, about 6-inches in diameter. Cut each circle in half (2 semi-circles). Spoon about 2 teaspoons of filling in the center of each semi-circle. Brush the edges with water and fold the dough over the filling. Press the edges together to seal. Place on a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
• Preheat the oil in a large pot to 350 degrees F. Add the pastries in batches and cook at 300 degrees F, turning, until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.