Beef Samosa
Crispy, flaky pastry filled with a savory and aromatic spiced ground beef mixture. This classic Indian snack is perfect for tea time or as an appetizer, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Samosa Dough
- b.In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, carom seeds, and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- c.Add the melted ghee. Rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for a flaky crust.
- d.Gradually add cold water, a little at a time, and knead to form a stiff, firm dough. Do not over-knead.
- e.Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Beef Filling
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle for 30 seconds.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- d.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.
- f.Drain any excess fat if necessary. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and the remaining 0.75 tsp of salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
- g.Stir in the green peas and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
- h.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala, chopped cilantro, and lemon juice. Mix everything well and set aside to cool completely.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape the Samosas
- b.After resting, knead the dough for one minute until smooth. Divide it into 4 equal portions.
- c.Take one portion and roll it into a thin oval shape, about 6-7 inches long.
- d.Cut the oval in half crosswise, creating two semi-circles.
- e.Take one semi-circle and form a cone by bringing the two straight edges together, overlapping one edge slightly. Apply a little water to seal the seam.
- f.Fill the cone with about 2 tablespoons of the cooled beef filling. Do not overfill.
- g.Apply a little water to the inner top edges of the cone and press firmly to seal the samosa, ensuring there are no gaps.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Samosas
- b.Heat the oil for deep frying in a kadai or deep pot over medium-low heat. To test the temperature, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle gently and rise slowly.
- c.Carefully slide 3-4 samosas into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry on low to medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides.
- e.Remove the fried samosas with a slotted spoon and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- f.Repeat the process with the remaining samosas, ensuring the oil temperature is maintained.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the beef samosas hot with mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, or your favorite dipping sauce.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a perfectly crisp, non-greasy crust, the dough must be stiff and firm. A soft dough will absorb too much oil.
- 2Ensure the beef filling is completely cool before stuffing. A warm filling will create steam and make the pastry soggy from the inside.
- 3Fry the samosas on low to medium-low heat. Frying on high heat will brown the outside too quickly, leaving the inside doughy and causing bubbles on the crust.
- 4Seal the edges of the samosa very well to prevent the filling from spilling out into the oil during frying.
- 5For an extra flaky crust, use cold water and cold ghee when preparing the dough.
Adapt it for your goals.
Filling
Substitute ground beef with ground lamb (mutton keema) or ground chicken for a different flavor. Adjust cooking times as needed.
SpicesSpices
Add 1/2 teaspoon of roasted and crushed fennel seeds to the filling for a unique, fragrant aroma.
Cooking MethodCooking Method
For a lower-fat option, brush the samosas with oil and bake in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 15-18 minutes, or in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Ground beef is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This recipe provides heme iron from beef, a form that is easily absorbed by the body. Iron is crucial for forming hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood, helping to prevent anemia and boost energy levels.
Flavorful Digestive Spices
Spices like carom seeds (ajwain) and cumin are traditionally used in Indian cooking not just for flavor but also for their digestive properties, which can help in soothing the stomach.
Frequently asked questions
A single homemade beef samosa from this recipe contains approximately 200-240 calories, depending on its exact size and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.