French-inspired Samosa

Ingredients

While the traditional Indian samosa is made with a spiced potato and pea filling, our French-inspired version incorporates a medley of vegetables, herbs, and cheese. Additionally, we have replaced the traditional deep-frying method with baking, resulting in a lighter and healthier alternative. We alse have the original recipe for Samosa, so you can check it out.

• 2 sheets of puff pastry (400g) 2 sheets of puff pastry (400g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml) 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 small carrot, finely diced 1 small carrot, finely diced
• 1 small zucchini, finely diced 1 small zucchini, finely diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 cup (75g) grated Gruyere cheese 1/2 cup (75g) grated Gruyere cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories: 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat: 14g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 19g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrot, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. 4.
   Remove the pan from heat and let the vegetable mixture cool slightly.
5. 5.
   Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 4 equal squares.
6. 6.
   Place a spoonful of the vegetable mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle grated Gruyere cheese, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the vegetable mixture.
8. 8.
   Fold the puff pastry squares diagonally to form triangles, and press the edges to seal.
9. 9.
   Brush the top of each samosa with beaten egg wash.
10. 10.
    Place the samosas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the samosas are golden brown and crispy.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Puff pastry — Ensure the puff pastry is thawed according to the package instructions before using.
• Gruyere cheese — For a milder flavor, you can substitute Gruyere with Swiss or Emmental cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a touch of sweetness, you can sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar on top of the samosas before baking.
• Serve the samosas with a side of tangy tomato chutney or a refreshing cucumber raita for a burst of flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the vegetable mixture.
• Experiment with different vegetable combinations such as mushrooms, spinach, or leeks for a unique twist.
• These samosas can be prepared in advance and frozen. Simply bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serving advice

Serve the French-inspired samosas warm as an appetizer or snack. They pair well with a crisp green salad or as part of a brunch spread. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an elegant touch.

Presentation advice

Arrange the samosas on a platter, allowing their golden brown crusts to shine. Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs over the top for a pop of color. Serve with small dipping bowls of tomato chutney or raita on the side for an inviting presentation.