Samosa
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A samosa is a common snack in South Asia, in countries such as India, Pakistan and Nepal as well as Bangladesh.
Ingredients
The popular vegetarian version contains flour (maida), potato, onion, spices, green chili. It is often eaten with chutney, such as mint, coriander or tamarind.
It can also be prepared as a sweet form, rather than as a savory one.
Non-vegetarian versions can contain ground-beef or chicken.
History
Samosa has been a popular snack in the Indian subcontinent for centuries. It is believed that it originated in Central Asia (where they are known as samsa[1][2]) prior to the 10th century.[3] It generally consists of a fried triangular- or tetrahedron-shaped pastry shell with a savory filling of spiced potatoes, onion, peas, coriander, and sometimes fresh paneer.
Variants
Non-vegetarian samosas may substitute fillings of minced Ground beef or chicken. The size and shape of a samosa, as well as the consistency of the pastry used, can vary considerably, although it is mostly triangular.
In Hyderabad, India, a smaller version of the samosa with a thicker pastry crust and mince filled is called a Lukhmi.
Samosas are often served in chaat, along with the traditional accompaniments of yogurt, chutney, chopped onions and coriander, and chaat masala.
Popularity
Samosas have become popular in the United Kingdom, South Africa and East Africa, Persian Gulf countries and in Canada and the United States. They are often called "samboosa" or sambusac by the Arabs. In South Africa they are often called "samoosa".[4] Frozen samosas are increasingly available in grocery stores in Canada and the United States.
While samosas are traditionally fried, many Westerners prefer to bake them, as this is more convenient and is perceived to be healthier (this could be seen as an example of fusion cuisine). Variations using phyllo[5] or flour tortillas[6] are not unheard of in Western countries.
In Portugal and Goa, samosas are known as chamuças and they are very popular in Lisbon, usually filled with Halal Ground beef and Halal Chicken. Chicken and vegetarian versions are rare. Chamuças are also popular along the West Coast of Africa and in Mozambique.
See also
Video links
- Samosa Video demonstration to make a samosa
References
- ^ Kazakh samsa Embassy of Kazakhstan to the USA and Canada. Retrieved March 13, 2008.
- ^ Uzbek samsa Consulate General of Uzbekistan in New York City. Retrieved March 13, 2008.
- ^ Davidson, Alan (1999). The Oxford Companion to Food. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-211579-0.
- ^ South African English is lekker!. Retrieved June 13, 2007.
- ^ Fennel-Scented Spinach and Potato Samosas Retrieved February 6, 2008.
- ^ Potato Samosas Retrieved February 6, 2008.
External links
- The Samosa Diaspora describes similar foods around the world
- "Baked Samosa recipe with Mango Chutney". Wai Lana, wailana.com. Retrieved 2006-08-29.
- The Samosa Connection for a culinary history