Samosas are a beloved snack in many parts of the world, and for good reason! These crispy, savory pastries are bursting with flavor and are a delight to munch on. One popular variation is the Paneer Aloo Samosa, which combines the richness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the wholesomeness of potatoes. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making these tasty and healthy Paneer Aloo Samosas.
Ingredients
Let's start by gathering all the ingredients you'll need for this delectable treat:
For the Samosa Dough:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of oil or ghee
- 1/2 teaspoon of carom seeds (ajwain)
- Salt to taste
- Water for kneading
For the Filling:
- 200 grams of paneer, crumbled
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1/2 cup of green peas
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Preparation
Making the Samosa Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, carom seeds, salt, and oil/ghee.
- Slowly add water and knead the dough until it's smooth and firm.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Allow them to sizzle.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until it turns aromatic.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir well.
- Toss in the crumbled paneer, mashed potatoes, and green peas. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Cook for a few minutes until the filling is well combined and aromatic.
- Season with salt and add fresh coriander leaves. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Shaping the Samosas
- Divide the rested dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
- Roll out each ball into a thin oval or circle, then cut it in half to form two semi-circles.
- Take one semi-circle, wet the edges with water, and form a cone shape by folding it in half.
- Fill the cone with the paneer-aloo mixture.
- Seal the open edge tightly to form a triangular pocket.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
Frying the Samosas
- Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
- Once the oil is hot, gently slide in the prepared samosas, a few at a time.
- Fry on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Remove the samosas with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serving and Enjoying
Your Paneer Aloo Samosas are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them hot with green chutney or tamarind sauce for a delightful snack or appetizer. These samosas are not only delicious but also pack the goodness of paneer and potatoes, making them a wholesome treat for your taste buds. Making Paneer Aloo Samosas at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to savor the flavors of India. With the right ingredients and a little practice, you can create these crispy delights that are perfect for parties, picnics, or a cozy evening at home. So, roll up your sleeves, follow this recipe, and indulge in the joy of homemade samosas!
