Sambusak, also known as samosa, is a fried or baked pastry with a savory filling, often including spiced potatoes, onions, peas, and lentils. It is a popular street food and snack in many countries across the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. With its crispy exterior and flavorful filling, sambusak has become a beloved dish enjoyed by people of all ages. If you're looking to try your hand at making this delicious treat, there are many recipes available that can guide you through the process.
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SAMBUSAK
Note: This recipe courtesy of Suzanne Sasson
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Yield Makes about 50
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare the dough: In the bowl of a food processor, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, butter, and salt; process until mixture resembles coarse meal, 8 to 10 seconds. While pulsing, add warm water in a slow, steady stream through feed tube, adding more, if necessary; process until dough just comes together. Dough should be soft and moist, not sticky. Cover bowl; set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, gently stir to combine cheese, egg, and salt, if using; set aside.
- On a work surface, divide dough into thirds; keep two-thirds dough covered in the bowl. With remaining one-third dough, form walnut-sized balls, 1 to 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Place sesame seeds in a small bowl; dip each ball into sesame seeds to cover halfway. Using a tortilla press or the palm of your hand, flatten each ball, sesame-side down, into a 2 1/2-inch circle. Place 1 scant teaspoon of filling into center of circle; fold dough over filling to enclose, forming a half-moon shape. Press edges together to seal, and crimp edges decoratively using the back of a fork. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet; cover with a damp towel to prevent drying out. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Sambusak can be frozen at this point for up to 3 months.
- Bake until edges are lightly golden, 15 to 20 minutes; do not allow sambusak to brown as filling will dry out. Serve warm.
SAMBUSAK (FILLED BEEF PASTRIES)
Sambusak is one of my favorite pastries. You can serve them on trays at a party (great finger food) and they are great on picnics and bag lunches.
Provided by Mirj2338
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 1h
Yield 60 pastries
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- To make the pastry, first combine the flour and salt.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the margarine and gradually blend in the flour mixture.
- Add the water.
- Knead until a ball forms.
- Let the dough rest as you prepare the filling.
- To make the meat filling, saute the onion in oil until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped meat and brown it, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 20 minutes.
- Let meat cool, then add the spices and pine nuts.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Spread the 1/2 cup of sesame seeds on a large plate.
- Break off walnut size pieces of dough.
- Shape each into a ball and dip it lightly on one side into the sesame seeds, then roll it, seed side down, into a 3-inch round.
- Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of the round.
- Fold it over to make a half-moon and crimp the edges together tightly so that filling will not burst through.
- (Sambusak can be frozen at this point. Place them in a single layer on a tray lined with wax paper and freeze them. Place frozen sambusak in double plastic bags and return them to the freezer. To bake frozen pastries, place them on ungreased baking sheets ) Place pastries on ungreased baking sheets and bake them for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden.
CHEESE SAMBUSAK FROM INDIA
This recipe comes from Copeland Marks' book Sephardic Cooking. He attributes the recipe to the Calcutta area of India. He says that almost all the women there knew how to make them and that they are a popular snack to be served with coffee or tea. The authentic version uses a home-made type of string cheese, but you can substitute the kashkaval, mozzarella or cheddar listed below. I have made these several times, with different cheeses and they are quite good. If you use kashkaval, I suggest French feta. If you use a less strongly flavored cheese, I suggest Bulgarian feta. I freeze them and keep them on hand for unexpected guests. You just thaw them for an hour on a cookie sheet and then reheat them at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Prep and cooking time does not include one hour of refrigeration needed before assembling and baking.
Provided by Pesto lover
Categories < 60 Mins
Time 40m
Yield 20 turnovers
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Mix first 4 ingredients together.
- Cut in the butter and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse meal.
- Add the water a little at a time until you have a moist, workable dough. Knead for 2 minutes. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Blend the cheeses, the egg and the pepper in a food processor until blended but not to the cosistency of a smooth paste. You want more of a chunky paste. Put in bowl and refrigerate 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into walnut size pieces. You should get about 20. Roll each one into a round ball and then roll out into a 4 inch pancake shape.
- Place 1 heaping tsp of the cheese filling on the bottom half of the circle. Moisten the edge of the bottom half and fold the top half over onto it, to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with the tine of a fork.
- Place the turnovers on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in a 375 degree oven for 30 minute or until light brown.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Sambusak Dough: Whether you prefer a crispy or chewy texture, select the appropriate dough. Phyllo dough creates flaky layers, while puff pastry offers a light and airy texture. If you're gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free dough alternative.
- Prepare the Filling in Advance: To save time and ensure even cooking, make the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients greatly impacts the final dish. Opt for fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices to elevate the flavors of your sambusak.
- Experiment with Different Fillings: Sambusak offers endless possibilities for fillings. Try classic options like spiced ground beef or explore vegetarian fillings like spinach and feta or roasted eggplant.
- Master the Folding Technique: The traditional triangular shape of sambusak adds a touch of authenticity. Practice folding the dough correctly to ensure the filling stays securely enclosed during baking or frying.
- Control the Cooking Temperature: Whether baking or frying, maintaining the right temperature is crucial. For a crispy exterior and evenly cooked filling, adjust the heat accordingly.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Sambusak is often accompanied by various dips and sauces. Tahini sauce, yogurt sauce, or spicy tomato sauce add extra flavor and depth to the dish.
Conclusion:
Sambusak, with its rich history and diverse culinary interpretations, is a delightful treat enjoyed worldwide. Whether you prefer traditional meat-filled pastries or explore vegetarian variations, the versatility of this dish allows for endless creativity. Embrace the art of sambusak making, experiment with different flavors and techniques, and share the joy of this delectable dish with your loved ones.
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