Beef Samosas Recipe

Introduction

Beef samosas are a flavorful, crispy, and indulgent treat that’s perfect for snacking or as an appetizer for any occasion. These savory pastries are filled with a spiced beef filling that’s packed with aromatic flavors, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala, creating a mouthwatering contrast to the crispy, golden-brown exterior. Often enjoyed with a variety of chutneys or dips, beef samosas are perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a quick snack at home.

Making beef samosas at home allows you to customize the filling to your exact preferences, ensuring that every bite is packed with the right balance of spices, meat, and seasonings. Whether you’re deep frying or baking, these samosas come out crispy and delicious, making them the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making beef samosas from scratch, including how to prepare the filling, fold and shape the samosas, and cook them to perfection. We’ll also offer helpful tips and tricks to ensure that your samosas come out crispy and flavorful every time.

Why You’ll Love Beef Samosas

• Delicious & Flavorful: The beef filling is a perfect blend of spices and savory flavors, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family meal, a party appetizer, or a special celebration, beef samosas are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: You can adjust the level of heat and spice in the filling to suit your taste, or add vegetables or potatoes for added texture and flavor.
• Crispy & Golden: The outer pastry shell becomes wonderfully crispy and golden, providing a perfect contrast to the soft and flavorful beef filling.
• Great for Meal Prep: Beef samosas freeze beautifully, so you can make a batch ahead of time and fry or bake them whenever you’re craving them.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 40 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (frying or baking)
• Servings: 12-15 samosas
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-300 calories (depending on the size and cooking method)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 15-18g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 10-12g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Beef Samosa Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, but recommended)
• 1 medium potato, boiled and mashed (optional, but adds a nice texture)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Samosa Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain) or cumin seeds (optional, for flavor)
• Water (as needed to form the dough)
• Oil for frying (if frying)

Egg Wash (Optional):

• 1 egg, beaten (for a glossy finish when baking)

Special Equipment

To make beef samosas, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment to help you along the way:

1. Frying Pan or Skillet: For frying the samosas or cooking the beef filling.
2. Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough into thin, even circles.
3. Pastry Brush: If you’re baking the samosas, you’ll need a pastry brush to apply the egg wash to give them a golden finish.
4. Baking Tray (Optional): For baking the samosas if you prefer to bake rather than fry.
5. Samosa Mould (Optional): While not necessary, a samosa mould can help ensure that your samosas are shaped uniformly and neatly.
6. Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing the dough and the filling.
7. Slotted Spoon or Tongs: For safely removing the samosas from hot oil if frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Filling

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds to release their aromatic oils. Next, add the finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté them until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook the beef until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.

Once the beef is cooked, add the spices: coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine the spices with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to infuse into the beef.

Stir in the frozen peas and mashed potatoes (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes. Finally, add the chopped cilantro and lemon juice, and mix everything together. Remove from the heat and let the filling cool while you prepare the dough.

2. Prepare the Samosa Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and carom or cumin seeds (if using). Add the vegetable oil or ghee and rub it into the flour with your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Slowly add water, a little at a time, until a smooth and firm dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, then cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. Resting the dough helps it become more pliable and easier to roll out.

3. Shape the Samosas

Once the dough has rested, divide it into small portions, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and then use a rolling pin to roll it out into a thin circle (about 5-6 inches in diameter).

Cut the circle in half to create two semi-circular pieces of dough. Form a cone shape by folding each half-circle in half, sealing the edge with a bit of water to make sure it stays in place.

Fill the cone with about 1-2 tablespoons of the beef filling. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make the samosas difficult to seal. Once filled, pinch the top edges of the cone together and seal them tightly by pressing them with your fingers. You can also twist the top slightly to close it securely.

Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.

4. Fry or Bake the Samosas

To Fry the Samosas:

Heat about 3-4 cups of oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of dough dropped into the oil sizzles and rises to the surface.

Carefully add the prepared samosas into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the samosas in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

To Bake the Samosas:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the samosas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the samosas with a beaten egg to give them a golden finish when baked. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve the Samosas

Once the samosas are cooked, serve them hot with your favorite chutneys or sauces. Some great options include mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or a simple yogurt dip.

Tips for Perfect Beef Samosas

• Don’t Overfill the Samosas: When adding the beef filling, be sure not to overfill the samosas. Too much filling can make them difficult to seal and could cause them to burst open during frying.
• Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest before rolling it out. This makes it much easier to handle and ensures that the samosas hold their shape while cooking.
• Use Fresh Spices: The key to flavorful samosas is in the spices. Make sure your spices are fresh to get the most aromatic flavor in your filling.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder filling, you can adjust the amount of chili powder and garam masala. For extra heat, add more chili powder or fresh green chilies to the filling.
• Seal the Samosas Well: It’s important to seal the samosas tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during frying or baking. Use a little water to help seal the edges.
• Test the Oil Temperature: If you’re frying the samosas, ensure that the oil is at the right temperature (about 350°F/175°C). If the oil is too hot, the samosas will burn on the outside before cooking fully on the inside. If it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Variations of Beef Samosas

• Lamb Samosas: If you prefer lamb over beef, you can substitute ground lamb for the beef in this recipe. Lamb provides a rich and distinct flavor that pairs well with the spices.
• Vegetarian Samosas: For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with spiced potatoes, peas, carrots, or even paneer for a delicious and meat-free option.
• Chicken Samosas: Ground chicken can also be used as an alternative to beef. It’s leaner and will give a lighter version of the classic samosa.
• Cheese and Spinach Samosas: For a cheesy twist, add paneer or mozzarella cheese along with sautéed spinach for a delicious vegetarian filling.

Storage and Shelf Life

Leftover samosas can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can either bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or fry them for a couple of minutes to bring back their crispy texture.

If you want to freeze them, place the prepared but uncooked samosas on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook from frozen, fry or bake them directly without thawing.

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Conclusion

Beef samosas are a delicious, savory snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer at a party, a snack for family gatherings, or simply as a comforting treat at home, these crispy pastries are sure to be a hit. With their flavorful beef filling and crispy outer shell, these samosas will satisfy your cravings for something hearty and delicious.

Making them from scratch may seem like a bit of a process, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create samosas that rival your favorite restaurant versions. Whether you choose to fry or bake them, these beef samosas are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy!