Mutton Keema Samosa
Crispy, flaky pastry pockets filled with a savory, spiced minced mutton filling. This classic Mughlai appetizer is perfect for parties or a rainy day snack, best served hot with mint chutney.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Samosa Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the maida, ajwain, and 0.5 tsp of salt.
- c.Add the melted ghee and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. It should hold its shape when pressed in your fist.
- 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.Cook the Keema Filling
- b.Heat 30ml of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 5-6 minutes until they turn translucent and light golden.
- d.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Add the mutton keema and increase the heat to high. Sauté, breaking up any lumps with a spoon, until the keema changes color and the moisture evaporates.
- f.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and 0.75 tsp of salt. Mix well.
- g.Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the keema is cooked through and the mixture is completely dry.
- h.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala, lemon juice, and chopped coriander leaves.
- i.Transfer the filling to a plate and spread it out to cool down completely.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Shape the Samosas
- b.After resting, knead the dough for another minute. Divide it into 6 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 create 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 and pressing firmly to seal the seam.
- f.Hold the cone in your hand and fill it with about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled keema filling. Do not overfill.
- g.Apply a little water to the inner top edges of the cone. Pinch the top edges together firmly to seal the samosa completely, ensuring there are no gaps.
- h.Repeat with the remaining dough and filling to make 12 samosas.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Fry the Samosas
- b.Heat the 500ml of oil for deep frying in a kadai or deep pan over low to medium-low heat. The oil should be just warm, not hot. To test, drop a small piece of dough; it should rise to the surface slowly.
- c.Gently slide 3-4 samosas into the oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- d.Fry on low heat for 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are evenly golden brown and crisp.
- e.Frying slowly on low heat is the key to a perfect, flaky, and bubble-free crust.
- f.Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the samosas and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Mutton Keema Samosas hot with mint 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.
- 1The dough must be stiff. A soft dough will absorb too much oil and won't result in a crispy crust.
- 2Ensure the keema filling is completely dry and cooled before filling the samosas to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- 3Fry the samosas on low to medium-low heat. Frying them in hot oil will cook the outside too quickly, leaving the inside raw and creating bubbles on the crust.
- 4Seal the samosas very well to prevent the filling from spilling out into the oil during frying. You can use a flour-water paste for an extra-strong seal.
- 5You can prepare the samosas ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day, or freeze them for up to a month before frying.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Option
For a lower-fat version, bake the samosas at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush them with a little oil before baking for a crispier finish. You can also use an air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 15-18 minutes.
Filling VariationFilling Variation
Replace mutton keema with chicken keema, turkey keema, or crumbled paneer for a different flavor profile. You can also add 1/4 cup of green peas to the filling for extra texture and sweetness.
Pastry VariationPastry Variation
For a slightly healthier and nuttier pastry, replace half of the maida (all-purpose flour) with atta (whole wheat flour).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Mutton keema is rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Iron and B-Vitamins
Mutton is a great source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anemia. It also provides essential B-vitamins, particularly B12, which is vital for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
Aids Digestion
The inclusion of spices like ajwain (carom seeds) and jeera (cumin seeds) in the pastry and filling are traditionally known to aid digestion and prevent bloating.
Frequently asked questions
A single homemade Mutton Keema Samosa contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on its size and the amount of oil absorbed during frying. A serving of two would be around 360-440 calories.
