Uzbek Chicken and Potato Somsa
A savory baked pastry filled with tender chicken, potatoes, and onions, seasoned with traditional Uzbek spices. Somsas are a popular snack or appetizer across Uzbekistan.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 250 ml Warm water
- 50 ml Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 400 g Chicken thigh meat(finely diced)
- 300 g Potatoes(peeled and finely diced)
- 200 g Onions(finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 large Egg(beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds(optional, for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- 2
Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine diced chicken, potatoes, and chopped onions. Add cumin seeds, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to ensure the filling is evenly seasoned.
💡 Tip: Ensure all filling ingredients are finely diced for even cooking. - 3
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle, about 15-18 cm in diameter.
💡 Tip: Keep the dough covered while you work to prevent it from drying out. - 4
Place a generous spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a semi-circular or triangular shape, sealing the edges tightly by pinching or crimping.
💡 Tip: Ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. - 5
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 6
Arrange the somsas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using.
💡 Tip: Egg wash gives the somsas a golden, glossy finish. - 7
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer dough, you can add an egg yolk to the dough mixture.
- ✓If you don't have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook it.
- ✓Make sure the potatoes are cut very small, as they take longer to cook than the chicken.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped fresh cilantro or dill to the filling for extra flavor.
- Substitute lamb or beef for chicken.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.