Kuchuk Somsa
Kuchuk Somsa are small, bite-sized savory pastries filled with a mixture of finely minced meat (typically lamb or beef), onions, and aromatic spices. They are often baked in a tandoor oven, giving them a distinct smoky flavor and a wonderfully crisp crust. These small parcels are perfect as an appetizer or a snack.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Warm water
- 100 g Butter, softened
- 500 g Ground lamb or beef
- 1 large Onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds, ground
- 1 tsp Coriander seeds, ground
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 for brushing Egg yolk
- 1 tbsp (optional) Sesame seeds
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and mix until a cohesive dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- 2
Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine ground meat, finely chopped onion, ground cumin, ground coriander, and black pepper. Mix well.
- 3
Assemble the somsa: Divide the dough into small, equal portions (about the size of a walnut). Roll each portion thinly into a small circle. Place a small amount of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough to create small, triangular or round shapes, sealing the edges firmly. You can also pinch the edges to create decorative patterns.
- 4
Bake the somsa: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the somsa on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using.
- 5
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. If using a tandoor, follow traditional baking methods.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the meat filling is not too wet, as this can make the pastry soggy.
- ✓For extra flakiness, you can incorporate layers of butter into the dough, similar to puff pastry.
- ✓Experiment with different spice combinations to personalize the flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley to the filling.
- Incorporate finely grated carrots or pumpkin for a different texture and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, use a filling of spiced pumpkin or potatoes.