Samosa Oven Recipe: The Ultimate Guide

Samosa is a popular snack that originates from India, but is now enjoyed all over the world. This triangular-shaped pastry is typically filled with spiced potatoes and peas, but can also include meat or other vegetables. While traditional samosas are deep-fried, it is possible to achieve a delicious and healthier version by preparing them in the oven. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know to make your perfect samosa oven recipe.

Food Science and Culinary Details

Understanding the science behind cooking can be very helpful in achieving the perfect samosas. Samosas are made up of layers of pastry and filling. A good samosa needs to have a crisp and flaky pastry while the filling should be moist and full of flavor. Achieving these textures requires understanding the science of baking.

Pastry:

The pastry of samosas is made up of flour, water, and fat. The fat used can be ghee, butter, or oil. Water is added to bind the dough together. As the dough is kneaded, the gluten in the flour develops creating the structure of the pastry. The fat added to the dough will evenly separate the layers of dough, creating flakiness.

Filling:

The filling of samosas can vary from region to region and individual preferences. The filling typically starts with sautéed onions and spices, followed by potatoes and peas. Meat may also be added. The filling needs to be cooked on low heat to ensure that the vegetables are soft and the spices are well incorporated, creating a delicious filling.

Selection and Cleaning

Selecting the right ingredients is essential in achieving the best results for your samosa oven recipe.

Flour:

Use all-purpose flour for the pastry. To achieve flakier pastry, use half all-purpose flour and half pastry flour.

Fat:

Ghee is the traditional fat used for samosas. However, using butter or vegetable oil will work well too.

Potatoes and peas:

Choose firm potatoes of similar size for even cooking. Fresh or frozen peas will work well.

Onions and spices:

Choose fresh onions and good quality spices for maximum flavor.

Cleaning:

Wash all vegetables thoroughly, especially the potatoes and onions. Use a dry kitchen towel to pat them dry.

Preparation and Tips

samosa

Preparing the pastry and filling is crucial in producing the perfect samosa oven recipe. Here are some tips to guide you:

Making the pastry:

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and fat. Rub the mixture between your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add water and mix until you have a dough. Knead the dough for at least five minutes.

Divide the dough into golf ball-sized balls. Roll each ball out into a thin circle and cut in half.

Making the filling:

In a large pan, heat oil and add the onions. Cook until they are translucent. Add the spices and cook for about a minute. Add the potatoes and peas, cover, and cook on low heat until they are soft and the spices are well incorporated.

Stuffing the samosas:

Take one half of the pastry and shape it into a cone. Place about two tablespoons of filling into the cone and seal the edges with water. Place the samosa on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Baking the samosas:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Brush the samosas with beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Variations and Other Considerations

samosa

Samosas can be filled with a variety of ingredients. Here are some variations you may want to consider:

  • Chicken and vegetables

  • Lamb and potatoes

  • Spiced paneer and peas

  • Spinach and feta cheese

It is important to check the samosas regularly while baking to ensure they do not overcook or undercook. Overcooking will result in dry pastry and undercooking will lead to a raw filling. Also, if the samosas are not sealed properly, they can open during baking.

Recipe

oven baked samosa

Here is a basic samosa oven recipe:

Ingredients:

Pastry:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/3 cup ghee, butter, or vegetable oil

  • 1/2 cup water

Filling:

  • 2 large potatoes, boiled and cubed

  • 1/2 cup peas

  • 1/2 onion, finely diced

  • 1/4 tsp cumin powder

  • 1/4 tsp coriander powder

  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder

  • 1/4 tsp garam masala

  • Salt and pepper

  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and ghee until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add water and knead the dough for at least five minutes.

  2. Divide the dough into golf ball-sized balls. Roll each ball out into a thin circle and cut in half.

  3. In a large pan, heat oil and add the onions. Cook until they are translucent. Add the spices and cook for about a minute. Add the potatoes and peas, cover, and cook on low heat until they are soft and the spices are well incorporated.

  4. Take one half of the pastry and shape it into a cone. Place about two tablespoons of filling into the cone and seal the edges with water. Repeat this process until all the pastry and filling has been used.

  5. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Brush the samosas with beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Conclusion

Making a samosa oven recipe is a great way to achieve a healthier version of this popular snack without sacrificing taste. Understanding the science behind baking is essential in achieving the perfect pastry and filling. Selecting the right ingredients, cleaning them well, and preparing them properly is key. With these tips and a basic recipe, you can experiment with different variations and make your perfect samosas every time.

Sources
  • Samosa Recipe, How to make Punjabi Samosa – Swasthi’s Recipes
  • Samosa Recipe – How to Make Perfect Samosa – Cook With Manali
  • Punjabi Samosa Recipe – Spice Up The Curry
  • FAQS On Samosa Oven Recipe

    What Is A Samosa Oven Recipe?

    A samosa oven recipe is a step-by-step guide to making delicious and crispy samosas using an oven instead of deep-frying them. It ensures a healthier and less greasy alternative to the traditional cooking method.

    What Ingredients Do I Need For A Samosa Oven Recipe?

    To make samosas in the oven, you will need the following ingredients: potatoes, peas, onions, ginger, garlic, green chili, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, oil, samosa wrappers or phyllo dough, and water for sealing the samosas.

    How Do I Prepare The Filling For Samosas?

    To prepare the filling for samosas, start by boiling the potatoes until they are tender. In a separate pan, sauté onions, ginger, garlic, and green chili in some oil. Add cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Finally, mix in the boiled and mashed potatoes and peas, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined. Let the filling cool down before using it to fill the samosas.

    How Do I Shape And Bake The Samosas In The Oven?

    To shape and bake the samosas in the oven, take a samosa wrapper or a sheet of phyllo dough and cut it into triangles or rectangles. Place a spoonful of the prepared filling in the center of each piece and fold it into a triangle, sealing the edges with water. Repeat the process until all the filling and wrappers are used. Finally, preheat the oven to the specified temperature (usually around 375°F or 190°C) and bake the samosas on a greased baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crisp.

    Can I Freeze The Samosas Made Using This Oven Recipe?

    Absolutely! You can freeze the samosas made using this oven recipe. After shaping them, arrange the uncooked samosas on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are firm. Then, transfer them into a freezer bag or an airtight container and store them for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake the frozen samosas directly in the oven until they are crispy and cooked through, extending the baking time by a few minutes.