Sambusa

Sambusa, or sambusak, are delightful bite-sized pastries that are filled with delicious meat and spices. They are crispy on the outside and burst with flavor on the inside. Perfect for any occasion, they make great snacks, appetizers, or even a meal on their own.

Why Make This Recipe

Making sambusa is a fantastic way to bring a touch of flavor to your dining table. This recipe is simple and fun, and you can enjoy the process of folding and frying each one. They are perfect for family gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in. Plus, once you take a bite of that crispy shell with the warm beef filling, you’ll see why they are a favorite!

How to Make Sambusa

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 leek, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon water, or as needed
• 1 (14 ounce) package spring roll wrappers
• 1 quart oil for frying, or as needed

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion, leek, and minced garlic. Cook and stir until the onion becomes transparent.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook and stir until it is still slightly pink, about halfway done. Season with cumin, cardamom, salt, and pepper. Mix well and continue cooking until the beef is browned and crumbly. Remove the skillet from heat.
3. In a small bowl, mix the flour and water together to make a thin paste.
4. Take one wrapper at a time and fold it into the shape of a cone. Fill the cone with the beef mixture, close the top, and seal it with the flour paste. Repeat this process until all the wrappers or filling are used up.
5. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 365 degrees F (170 degrees C). Make sure there’s enough oil to submerge the sambusas.
6. Fry sambusas a few at a time in the hot oil until they turn golden brown. Remove them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

How to Serve Sambusa

Sambusa are best served hot and fresh. You can pair them with a side of yogurt or a spicy dipping sauce to enhance the flavor. They are perfect for sharing, so set them out on a plate for everyone to enjoy!

How to Store Sambusa

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again.

Tips to Make Sambusa

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, so the sambusa turn out crispy.
• You can use any filling you like, such as vegetables or lentils, to customize this recipe.
• If you want to save time, you can prepare the filling a day before and assemble the sambusa when you’re ready to cook.

Variation

You can also make vegetarian sambusa by replacing the ground beef with a mix of cooked vegetables and spices. Try adding potatoes, spinach, or mushrooms!

FAQs

1. Can I freeze sambusa?
Yes, sambusa can be frozen before frying. Place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from the freezer when you’re ready to eat!

2. What can I use instead of spring roll wrappers?
You can use homemade dough or phyllo pastry if you prefer. Just ensure it’s thin enough to get crispy.

3. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
You can check by dropping a small piece of bread in the oil. If it bubbles and browns within 30 seconds, the oil is ready for frying!