Samosas are one of the most beloved snacks across many cultures, especially in South Asia. These delightful, crispy pockets filled with a spiced vegetarian mixture are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering, a cozy tea-time treat, or an appetizer for dinner parties.
Making vegetarian samosas at home not only allows you to customize the flavors to your liking but also ensures a fresh, preservative-free snack that everyone will adore. The combination of tender potatoes, peas, and aromatic spices wrapped in a crunchy, golden pastry is simply irresistible.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make these delicious samosas from scratch, you’re in the right place! This recipe is beginner-friendly, uses common ingredients, and delivers authentic taste.
Plus, it’s vegetarian and can easily be adapted to vegan preferences. So, let’s get cooking and bring some warm, flavorful magic to your kitchen today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian samosa recipe is a perfect blend of taste, texture, and simplicity. Here’s why it stands out:
- Authentic Flavor: The filling is seasoned with classic Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, giving it a rich and aromatic profile.
- Crispy and Golden: The samosa dough crisps up beautifully when fried, creating that signature crunchy exterior that everyone loves.
- Customizable Filling: While we use potatoes and peas, you can easily add other veggies or proteins to suit your tastes.
- Perfect Snack or Appetizer: These samosas are great for parties, lunchboxes, or a cozy night in with tea.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used, so this recipe fits into both diets effortlessly.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil or melted ghee
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
- For the Filling:
- 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (a handful)
- For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Deep frying pan or wok
- Slotted spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spatula
- Paper towels for draining excess oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the vegetable oil or melted ghee and mix well until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water gradually and knead to form a firm and smooth dough. Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Once they start to splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add grated ginger and green chilies, sauté for another minute.
- Mix in the turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir well to combine the spices.
- Add the mashed potatoes and green peas. Mix thoroughly and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt to taste.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh coriander leaves. Let the filling cool completely.
- Shape the Samosas: Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Roll each ball into a thin oval or round shape, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
- Cut each rolled dough piece in half to form two semi-circles.
- Take one semi-circle and fold it into a cone shape by bringing the straight edge corners together, sealing the edge with a little water.
- Fill the cone with 2 tablespoons of the prepared filling.
- Seal the open edge of the cone by pressing firmly with your fingers or a fork, ensuring there are no gaps.
- Fry the Samosas: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of dough; it should rise to the surface quickly without burning.
- Carefully slide the samosas into the hot oil, frying a few at a time. Fry until golden brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Remove the samosas with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve warm with chutney or ketchup.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra crispy samosa, you can add a tablespoon of semolina (rava) to the dough.”
- Baking Option: For a healthier twist, brush samosas with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Filling Variations: Try adding finely chopped carrots, corn, or even paneer cubes for different textures and flavors.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the quantity of green chilies and red chili powder to suit your heat preference.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and dough ahead of time. Assemble and fry samosas just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Storage: Cooked samosas can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in an oven or air fryer for crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Samosa (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Vegetarian samosas are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dips and accompaniments. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- Mint-Coriander Chutney: A fresh, tangy dip that complements the spices perfectly.
- Tamarind Chutney: Sweet and sour, this sauce adds a delightful contrast to the savory samosas.
- Yogurt Raita: A cooling side made with yogurt, cucumber, and spices for balance.
- Simple Ketchup: For a quick and kid-friendly option.
- Masala Chai: Enjoy your samosas with a hot cup of spiced tea for an authentic snack-time pairing.
For more delicious vegetarian recipes to complement your samosas, check out our Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore or explore some tasty Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.
Conclusion
Making vegetarian samosas at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that results in a delicious snack bursting with flavors and textures. From the crispy golden exterior to the warmly spiced potato and pea filling, these samosas promise to impress your family and guests alike.
This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy an authentic Indian treat without relying on store-bought options, giving you complete control over ingredients and freshness.
Whether you’re serving them at a party, a cozy tea-time, or as an appetizer for dinner, these samosas are sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to experiment with the filling and dipping sauces to find your perfect combination.
For more delightful vegetarian treats, be sure to try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Samosa
Description: Crispy and golden samosas filled with a spicy mix of potatoes and peas. Perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 12 samosas
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1/2 cup green peas, boiled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Mix flour and oil, add water gradually to form a dough. Rest for 20 minutes.
- Heat oil, add cumin seeds and onions, sauté until golden.
- Add green chilies, spices, salt, potatoes, and peas; cook for 5 minutes.
- Divide dough into 12 balls, roll each into a thin oval and cut in half.
- Form cones from each half, fill with potato mixture, and seal edges.
- Heat oil and deep fry samosas until golden brown and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal per samosa | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 20 g
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