Sambusa
Sambusa are Djibouti's version of samosas, crispy fried pastries typically filled with spiced minced meat (often lamb or beef) and onions. They are a popular snack or appetizer, especially during Ramadan.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1 medium Leek(finely chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic(minced)
- 2 teaspoons Cumin(ground)
- 2 teaspoons Cardamom(ground)
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.33 teaspoon Allspice
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 1 package (14 oz) Spring roll wrappers(or wonton wrappers)
- 1 tablespoon Flour(for paste)
- 1 tablespoon Water(for paste, or more as needed)
- Vegetable oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, leek, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are softened and translucent.
- 2
Add the ground meat to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's about halfway done. Stir in the cumin, cardamom, paprika, allspice, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook until the meat is fully browned and any excess liquid has evaporated.
- 3
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool completely.
- 4
In a small bowl, mix the 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon of water to create a thick paste. Add more water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- 5
Prepare the spring roll wrappers according to package directions. If using larger wrappers, cut them into smaller, manageable sizes. Take one wrapper and form it into a cone shape. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled meat filling inside the cone.
- 6
Seal the top of the cone with a little of the flour-water paste. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- 7
Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 365°F (185°C). Carefully fry the sambusas in batches until golden brown and crispy.
- 8
Remove the fried sambusas with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the filling is completely cool before assembling the sambusas to prevent the wrappers from becoming soggy.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the frying pot; fry in batches for even cooking.
- ✓If using wonton wrappers, you may need to use two per sambusa to create a sturdier shell.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped cilantro or parsley to the filling for extra freshness.
- Include a tablespoon of lemon juice in the filling for a tangy note.
- For a vegetarian version, use a filling of spiced lentils and vegetables.