Bihari Samosa
A classic street-food snack from Bihar, these samosas feature a crispy, flaky pastry filled with a uniquely spicy potato and pea mixture, seasoned with the aromatic five-spice blend, panch phoran. A delightful twist on the regular samosa.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the maida, ajwain, and 0.5 tsp salt.
- c.Add 3 tbsp of oil (moyan) and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture holds its shape when pressed in your fist, resembling coarse breadcrumbs.
- d.Gradually add water, a little at a time, and knead to form a stiff and 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.Prepare the Filling
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the panch phoran and let the seeds crackle for about 30 seconds.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- d.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- f.Add the crumbled potatoes and green peas. Mix everything well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- g.Cook for 4-5 minutes, gently mashing the potatoes with the back of a spoon. Add 0.75 tsp salt and mix.
- h.Turn off the heat. Stir in the amchur powder, garam masala, and chopped coriander leaves.
- i.Transfer the filling to a plate and allow it to cool down completely before use.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape the Samosas
- b.After resting, knead the dough for one minute to smoothen it. Divide it into 4 equal-sized balls.
- c.Take one ball and roll it into a thin oval shape, about 6-7 inches long.
- d.Cut the oval in half crosswise to get two semi-circles.
- e.Take one semi-circle and apply a little water along the straight edge. Fold it to form a cone, overlapping the edges slightly. Press the seam firmly to seal it.
- f.Hold the cone and fill it with about 2 tablespoons of the cooled potato filling. Don't overstuff.
- g.Apply a little water to the top inner edges of the cone. Pinch the open edges together firmly to seal the samosa completely. Ensure there are no gaps.
- h.Repeat with the remaining dough and filling to make 8 samosas.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Samosas
- b.Heat oil for deep frying in a kadai or deep pan over low to medium-low heat. The oil should be just warm, not hot.
- c.To test the temperature, drop a small piece of dough into the oil; it should sizzle gently and rise to the surface slowly.
- d.Carefully slide 3-4 samosas into the oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- e.Fry on low heat for 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown, crisp, and cooked through.
- f.Once done, remove the samosas with a slotted spoon and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels.
- g.Fry the remaining samosas in the same manner. Serve hot with your favorite chutney.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The dough must be stiff. A soft dough will absorb excess oil and result in soft, non-crispy samosas.
- 2Ensure the oil for frying is at a low to medium-low temperature. Frying on high heat will cause bubbles on the crust and leave the inside undercooked.
- 3Let the filling cool down completely before you start filling the samosas. A hot filling will make the pastry soggy from the inside.
- 4Seal the samosas very well to ensure the filling doesn't spill out into the oil while frying.
- 5For an even flakier crust, you can use ghee instead of oil for the 'moyan' (fat) in the dough.
Adapt it for your goals.
Filling
Add 1/2 cup of crumbled paneer to the potato filling for a richer taste and texture.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
For a lower-fat version, brush the assembled samosas with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crisp. The texture will be less flaky than the fried version.
Non VegetarianNon-Vegetarian
Replace the potato filling with a spicy minced meat (keema) filling, a popular variation in many regions.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Booster
The potatoes and flour are rich sources of carbohydrates, providing a quick and substantial energy boost.
Aromatic Spices
The use of panch phoran, turmeric, and coriander not only adds unique flavor but also brings potential anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits associated with these spices.
Source of Fiber
Ingredients like green peas and potatoes contribute dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (2 pieces) of Bihari Samosa contains approximately 300-350 calories, primarily from the flour, potatoes, and absorbed oil from deep-frying. The exact count can vary based on the size and amount of oil absorbed.
