Indian cuisine is a true feast for flavour enthusiasts, with its vast array of spices, vibrant colours, and delectable aromas. One of the most beloved street foods hailing from India is the humble samosa. These golden parcels of joy are filled with a spiced potato mixture that’s both comforting and exciting in equal measure. Traditionally deep-fried, we’re bringing you a healthier version perfect for the modern kitchen—the air-fried samosa.
The History of Samosa
Before diving into this delectable recipe, let's explore a bit of history. The samosa has been a beloved snack across the Indian subcontinent for centuries, with its origins traced back to the Middle East, where it was known as ‘sambosa’. Over time, it made its way to India with traders and was adapted with regional spices and fillings.
Why Air Fry?
Air frying has revolutionized healthy cooking, allowing us to enjoy our favourite fried delights without the added oil and guilt. It circulates hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy exterior much like deep-frying but with significantly less oil. Perfect for making samosas that are crisp on the outside yet soft and flavour-packed on the inside.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 2 cups of boiled and roughly mashed potatoes
- 1 cup of peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1-2 green chillies, finely chopped (adjust for preferred spice level)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- Ready-made samosa pastry or filo pastry sheets
- Water/flour paste (mix a tablespoon of plain flour with a few tablespoons of water to make a paste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Stir in the green chillies and ginger, then add the peas, cooking until soft.
- Add the mashed potatoes to the pan, along with garam masala, coriander powder, turmeric, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Remove from heat and add a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness. Allow the mixture to cool.
- Shape the Samosas: If you are using ready-made samosa pastry, cut into stripes of around 6 inches in width. For filo pastry, take around three layers and cut to size. Place a few tablespoons of filling near one corner of the strip.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle, continue folding maintaining the triangular shape. Seal the open edge with the water/flour paste.
- Preheat and Cook: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the samosas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the samosas are golden and crisp, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with mint coriander chutney or tamarind sauce. You’ll find these condiments accentuate the samosas’ spice, creating a symphony of flavours that are sure to please your taste buds.
Tips for Perfect Samosas
- Control the Spice: Adjust the level of green chillies according to your tolerance for spice.
- Pastry Choice: While traditional samosas use a thicker pastry, filo pastry offers a delicate, crunchy alternative, which also works great in the air fryer.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there is enough space between samosas in the air fryer to allow even cooking.
Samosas are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply indulging yourself with a quaint Indian cooking experience in your comfort food repertoire. This air fryer method offers a crisp and guilt-free take on an Indian classic.
Final Thoughts
The air-fried potato samosa is a testament to how traditional recipes can be adapted for modern cooking needs while retaining all the authenticity and flavour. Crisp, golden, and delicious, these samosas provide an excellent opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine, right from your kitchen. Perfect for snacking or as a unique entree, they’re sure to become a favourite staple.