Samosas: A Taste of India with Saliha Mahmood Ahmed from BBC Good Food Podcast

Samosas, the iconic Indian pastry filled with savory or sweet ingredients, hold a special place in the hearts of food lovers worldwide. In this article, we delve into the world of samosas, exploring their history, variations, and how to make them at home with guidance from Saliha Mahmood Ahmed, a renowned chef and author featured on the BBC Good Food Podcast.

Origins and History of Samosas

Samosas are believed to have originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) around the 10th century. They were initially called "sambusak" and were filled with meat, onions, and spices. As these pastries spread across the Indian subcontinent, they underwent various adaptations and became known as "samosas."

Regional Variations of Samosas

Samosas come in a diverse array of shapes, sizes, and fillings, depending on the region of India they originate from. Some popular variations include:

* North India: Samosas are typically triangular and stuffed with a filling of spiced potatoes, peas, and onions. They are often served with green chutney.
* South India: South Indian samosas tend to be smaller and pyramid-shaped. They are filled with a mixture of vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, and beans.
* West India: Gujrati samosas are larger and square-shaped. They are filled with a sweet and savory mixture of potatoes, peas, nuts, and raisins.
* East India: Bengali samosas are semicircular in shape and filled with a minced meat mixture. They are often served with a tangy tomato chutney.

Making Samosas at Home

Making samosas at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to customize the filling to your liking. Here's a step-by-step guide based on Saliha Mahmood Ahmed's recipe from the BBC Good Food Podcast:

Ingredients:

For the dough:
* 2 cups (250g) plain flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 6-8 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:
* 2 large potatoes, peeled and boiled
* 1 onion, finely chopped
* 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
* 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
* 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
* Salt to taste
* 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves

Instructions:

1. To make the dough, combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Add the water gradually while mixing until a firm dough forms. Knead for a few minutes, then cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. While the dough rests, prepare the filling. Mash the boiled potatoes and set aside. Heat some oil in a pan and add the onion. Cook until it turns translucent. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
3. Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well and cook for a few minutes, or until the spices become fragrant.
4. Add the mashed potatoes to the pan and mix well. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the filling becomes dry. Stir in the coriander leaves and set aside to cool.
5. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into thin circles. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold over the edges to form a triangle. Seal the edges by pressing them down with a fork.
6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or saucepan to 180°C (350°F). Carefully drop the samosas into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown.
7. Drain the samosas on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite chutney.

Conclusion

Samosas are a versatile and delicious Indian pastry that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main meal. Whether you choose to savor a traditional regional variation or experiment with your own fillings, making samosas at home is a wonderful way to bring the flavors of India into your kitchen. So why not give this tasty treat a try and experience the joy of creating your own homemade samosas?