Puerto Rican Style Samosa

Ingredients

While the traditional Indian samosa is known for its spiced potato and pea filling, the Puerto Rican adaptation incorporates local ingredients and flavors. The Puerto Rican Style Samosa features a filling of seasoned ground beef, sofrito, and plantains, giving it a unique and delicious twist. We alse have the original recipe for Samosa, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sofrito (Puerto Rican seasoning blend) 1/2 cup (120ml) sofrito (Puerto Rican seasoning blend)
• 1 ripe plantain, diced 1 ripe plantain, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the vegetable oil and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add water and knead the dough until it forms a smooth ball. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the sofrito, diced plantain, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully cooked and the flavors are well combined. Set aside to cool.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin circle.
5. 5.
   Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer. Fry the samosas until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve hot and enjoy the Puerto Rican Style Samosas with your favorite dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantain — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin for a sweeter flavor and softer texture.
• Sofrito — If you can't find pre-made sofrito, you can make your own by blending together onions, garlic, bell peppers, cilantro, and culantro.

Tips & Tricks

• For a healthier alternative, you can bake the samosas instead of frying them. Brush them with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) until golden brown.
• Serve the samosas with a tangy tamarind chutney or a spicy mango salsa for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Puerto Rican Style Samosas as an appetizer or as part of a main course. They pair well with a fresh green salad or a side of rice and beans.

Presentation advice

Arrange the samosas on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve them with a colorful dipping sauce to enhance the visual appeal.