Yemeni Beef Samosas (Sambusa)
Crispy, golden-fried pastries filled with a savory mixture of spiced ground beef, onions, and herbs. These sambusas are a popular appetizer or snack, especially during Ramadan, and are a staple in Yemeni households.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.25 cup Cilantro(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Parsley(chopped)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 to taste Salt
- 1 package Spring roll wrappers(or samosa pastry sheets)
- 0.25 cup All-purpose flour(for paste)
- 0.25 cup Water(for paste)
- 4 cups Vegetable oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- 4
Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- 5
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley. Let the filling cool completely.
- 6
Prepare the sealing paste by mixing the flour and water in a small bowl until smooth.
- 7
Lay out a spring roll wrapper or samosa pastry sheet. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled beef filling near one corner. Fold the corner over the filling to create a triangle, then continue folding in a triangular motion until you reach the end of the wrapper. Seal the edge with a little of the flour-water paste.
- 8
Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- 9
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or wok over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
- 10
Carefully fry the sambusas in batches, without overcrowding the pot, for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- 11
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tamarind chutney or a spicy Yemeni sahawiq.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the filling is completely cool before assembling the sambusas to prevent the wrappers from becoming soggy.
- ✓If using spring roll wrappers, you may need to cut them into strips or use multiple layers for a sturdier sambusa.
- ✓For a healthier option, sambusas can be baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown, brushing them with oil first.
🔄 Variations
- Use ground lamb or a mixture of beef and lamb for the filling.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like peas or carrots to the filling.
- For a vegetarian option, use a filling of spiced potatoes and lentils.