Latin American Style Samosas

Ingredients

While the original Indian samosas are typically filled with spiced potatoes and peas, this Latin American adaptation incorporates a variety of ingredients commonly found in Latin American cuisine. The pastry dough is also different, as it is more similar to the flaky crust used in empanadas. The spices used in the filling are adjusted to complement the Latin American flavors, resulting in a unique twist on the classic samosa. We alse have the original recipe for Samosa, so you can check it out.

• For the pastry: For the pastry:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (150g) cooked black beans, mashed 1 cup (150g) cooked black beans, mashed
• 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken, shredded 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup (75g) corn kernels 1/2 cup (75g) corn kernels
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped cilantro 1/4 cup (30g) chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• For frying: For frying:
• Vegetable oil Vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): Approximately 180 kcal / 753 KJ per samosa
• Fat: 9g total, 4g saturated
• Carbohydrates: 19g total, 2g sugars
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the pastry. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough lightly until smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion and garlic.
5. 5.
   Add the mashed black beans, shredded chicken, corn kernels, chopped cilantro, and lime juice to the skillet. Mix everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
6. 6.
   Preheat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
7. 7.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of about 4 inches in diameter.
8. 8.
   Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the samosas.
9. 9.
   Fry the samosas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
10. 10.
    Serve the Latin American Style Samosas hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Black beans — Make sure to mash the black beans well to create a smooth texture in the filling.
• Chicken — You can use leftover cooked chicken or cook chicken specifically for this recipe. Shred the chicken into small pieces for easy filling.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a flaky pastry, make sure the butter is cold and work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• If you prefer a spicier filling, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the spice mixture.
• Serve the samosas with a side of salsa or guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.
• If you don't have a deep pan or fryer, you can also bake the samosas in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Latin American Style Samosas as a delicious appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as salsa, guacamole, or a tangy yogurt sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the samosas on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. For an extra touch, sprinkle some paprika or chili powder on top to add a pop of color.