Tanzanian Spiced Samosa Rolls

Ingredients

In this Tanzanian adaptation, the traditional Greek Phyllo Pastry is transformed into spiced samosa rolls. The filling is infused with Tanzanian spices, such as curry powder, cumin, and chili flakes, to give it a unique flavor profile. Additionally, the use of ground meat, such as beef or lamb, is common in Tanzanian cuisine, adding richness and depth to the filling. The rolls are baked instead of fried, making them a healthier alternative while still maintaining their crispy texture. We alse have the original recipe for Phyllo Pastry, so you can check it out.

• 10 sheets of phyllo pastry 10 sheets of phyllo pastry
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or lamb 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 carrot, grated 1 carrot, grated
• 1 potato, boiled and mashed 1 potato, boiled and mashed
• Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for brushing Olive oil for brushing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef or lamb to the pan and cook until browned.
4. 4.
   Stir in the curry powder, cumin powder, chili flakes, grated carrot, and mashed potato. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Lay out one sheet of phyllo pastry and brush it lightly with olive oil. Place another sheet on top and repeat the process until you have 5 layers.
7. 7.
   Cut the layered phyllo pastry into strips of approximately 10cm (4 inches) wide.
8. 8.
   Spoon a small amount of the filling onto the bottom corner of each strip. Fold the corner over the filling to form a triangle, then continue folding the strip in a triangular shape until you reach the end.
9. 9.
   Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo pastry and filling.
10. 10.
    Place the samosa rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with olive oil.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and crispy.
12. 12.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Phyllo pastry — Keep the phyllo pastry sheets covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent them from drying out.
• Ground beef or lamb — Make sure to cook the meat thoroughly to ensure food safety.
• Curry powder — Adjust the amount of curry powder and chili flakes according to your preferred level of spiciness.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or mashed chickpeas.
• Serve the samosa rolls with a tangy tamarind chutney or a spicy tomato salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
• Make a large batch of samosa rolls and freeze them before baking. They can be easily reheated in the oven for a quick and delicious snack.
• Experiment with different fillings by adding vegetables like peas, spinach, or sweet potatoes to the mixture.
• For a more indulgent version, brush the phyllo pastry with melted butter instead of olive oil.

Serving advice

Serve the Tanzanian Spiced Samosa Rolls as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce of your choice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the samosa rolls on a platter, showcasing their golden and crispy exterior. Sprinkle some extra chili flakes or cilantro leaves on top for a pop of color. Serve with small bowls of dipping sauce on the side for an inviting presentation.