Samosas

Ingredients:

Dough:

310 ml flour

1 ml salt

125 ml buttermilk or yogurt

Extra flour as needed

Filling:

1 large potato

10 ml butter

125 ml finely minced onion   

2 medium cloves garlic, minced

10 ml freshly grated ginger

2 ml mustard seeds

2 ml dried coriander

2 ml each of Indian spices available

1 tsp salt

185 ml uncooked green peas (frozen or thawed)

15 ml freshly chopped cilantro

Directions:

1.    Place the flour in a medium sized bowl. Mix in the salt.

2.    Make a well in the center, and add the buttermilk or yogurt. Mix first with a spoon and then with your hand, to make a smooth dough.

3.    Add extra flour, as needed, to keep the dough from being sticky. The dough will be quite soft. Knead in the bowl for about 5 minutes. Cover tightly and refrigerate until you are ready to assemble the pastries.

Filling:

1.    Peel the potatoes and chop them into 1 inch pieces. Place in a saucepan, cover with water, and boil until very soft. Drain and transfer to medium sized bow. Mash and set aside.

2.    Melt the butter in a heavy skillet. Add onion, garlic, ginger, spices, and salt. Sauté over medium heat about 8-10 minutes or until onions are quite soft. Add this to the mashed potatoes, along with the remaining ingredients. Mix well, but try not to smash the peas. Cool for at least 15 minutes before filling the pastries.    

To assemble and fry:

Directions:

1.    Keep a small container of flour, a fork, a small bowl of water and a pastry brush close at hand. Flour a clean surface, and one by one, roll 1 inch balls of dough into 5 inch circles, using a rolling pin.  

2.    Place approximately 1 ½ tbsp. of filling in the center of each circle, and fold over, just like a turnover. Brush the inside edges of each circle with a little water, and fold the edges together to make a hem. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork.

3.    To fry: Heat oil in electric skillet, place samosas in hot oil-careful not to crowd. Turn the samosas to cook both sides evenly. Cook until golden brown.

Dipping sauce:

½ cup cider vinegar

½ cup water

3 tbsp brown sugar

1 small clove garlic, minced

1 tsp salt

Directions:

1.    Place all ingredients in a small saucepan. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

2.    Heat to boiling, then let simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. It will reduce slightly.

3.    Serve warm or at room temperature with hot samosas.