Vegan Samosa Recipe – A Middle-East Staple Snack

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Finding the perfect vegan samosa recipe can be daunting. Too often, plant-based adaptations of traditional dishes fall short in flavor and texture, leaving a gap in the culinary experiences for vegans and those looking to reduce their meat intake. 

I remember the countless times I’ve craved the rich, spiced filling and flaky crust of a traditional samosa, only to be disappointed by lackluster vegan versions that didn’t quite hit the mark.

But, after much experimentation and tweaking, I’ve developed a vegan samosa recipe that satisfies those cravings. This easy recipe captures the essence of the beloved snack.

It introduces a delightful twist with a filling that’s both flavorful and satisfying, proving that you don’t need to compromise on taste to enjoy a plant-based diet.

What Is A Vegan Samosa?

A vegan samosa is a plant-based version of the traditional South Asian snack. It consists of a pastry shell, usually made from flour, water, and oil, filled with a savory mixture of spiced vegetables.

Common fillings include potatoes, peas, and carrots seasoned with herbs and spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

The pastry is then folded into a triangular shape and fried or baked until golden and crispy. Vegan samosas are popular for those following a vegan diet, offering a delicious, cruelty-free alternative to the classic snack.

Quick Fact: Samosas originated in the Middle East before the 10th century and traveled to India with traders, where they became a staple snack, evolving into various regional flavors.

Recipe Directions

Make The Potato Filling

• Place whole potatoes in a large saucepan of water, cover, and cook for around 30 minutes or until fully fork-tender.
• Peel the potatoes and mash them roughly in a bowl when cool enough to handle. Aim for a textured mash.
• Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, ginger, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until fragrant.
• Add mashed potatoes, garam masala, paprika, cumin, green peas, and tomato paste. Stir well and cook for a few minutes more. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.

Shape The Samosas

• Lay filo pastry sheets on a floured surface, cutting them into 10cm wide strips.
• Take a strip, fold the bottom corner to form a triangle, and continue folding in opposite directions.
• Place 2 tbsp of filling inside the folds, seal with water, and trim excess pastry.

Cook The Samosas

• To Fry: Heat a layer of oil in a skillet over medium-high. Fry samosas for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Drain on a towel.
• To Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F. Place samosas on a lined tray, brush with plant-based milk, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and bake for 25 minutes until crispy.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations In Fillings

• Spiced Lentils: Incorporate cooked lentils with a mix of spices for a protein-rich filling.
• Sweet Potato: Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter taste and added nutrients.
• Spinach and Tofu: Add sautéed spinach and crumbled tofu seasoned with spices for a green twist.
• Mixed Vegetables: Include finely chopped carrots, beans, and bell peppers for a colorful and crunchy filling.

Add-Ons

• Nutritional Yeast: Sprinkle nutritional yeast into the filling for a cheesy flavor and vitamin B12 boost.
• Nuts and Seeds: Add chopped cashews, peanuts, or sesame seeds for extra texture and nutty flavors.
• Herbs: Fresh cilantro, mint, or dill can add a refreshing touch to the spicy vegetables.

Toppings And Dips

• Tamarind Chutney: Serve with a sweet, tangy tamarind chutney for a classic pairing.
• Green Chutney: A spicy mint and coriander chutney complements the samosas perfectly.
• Yogurt Dip: Offer a vegan yogurt-based dip with herbs and spices for a cooling contrast.
• Mango Chutney: A sweet mango powder chutney makes for a delicious dipping option.
• Sesame Seeds: Before baking, sprinkle sesame seeds on the samosas for a toasty finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Salad: Pair with a light, fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Wraps: Incorporate mini samosas into wraps with greens and sauces for a hearty meal.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Mushrooms: Great for replacing meat due to their umami flavor and hearty texture. Portobello, shiitake, and button mushrooms are versatile choices.
• Cauliflower: Can mimic meats and seafood in dishes like buffalo wings or shrimp. It’s also perfect for making rice alternatives.
• Jackfruit: Unripe jackfruit has a meaty texture, making it an excellent substitute for pulled pork or chicken.
• Eggplant: With its sponge-like ability to absorb flavors, eggplant works well as a meat substitute in lasagnas or as a base for vegan bacon.
• Zucchini: Ideal for noodle replacements in pasta dishes or added to lasagnas for extra volume without the heaviness.
• Lentils: A protein-packed alternative to ground meat, perfect for Bolognese sauces, tacos, or as a filling for stuffed vegetables.
• Chickpeas: Can replace chicken or tuna in salads and sandwiches, offering a protein boost and fiber.
• Sweet Potatoes: Serve as a flavorful and nutrient-rich base for vegan burgers, tacos, and soups.
• Beets: Their earthy flavor and meat-like texture suit vegan burgers and carpaccios.

Quick Tip: Brush them lightly with oil before baking for extra crispy vegan samosas. This helps achieve a golden, flaky crust like the traditional fried version.

Best Side Dishes

1. Mint Chutney A refreshing blend of mint, cilantro, lemon juice, and green chillies, perfect for dipping.
2. Tamarind Chutney A sweet and tangy sauce made from tamarind, brown sugar, and spices, offering a delightful contrast.
3. Cucumber Raita A cool, creamy dip made with vegan yogurt, cucumber, and mint to balance the spices.
4. Kachumber Salad A simple, crunchy salad of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
5. Carrot And Beetroot Slaw A colorful, zesty side dish that adds a sweet, earthy note.
6. Masala Chai A spiced tea with ginger and cardamom, serving as a warming beverage.
7. Papadums Crispy lentil crackers seasoned with cumin and pepper, ideal for scooping up chutney or raita.
8. Pickled Onions Thinly sliced onions marinated in vinegar and spices, adding a sharp, tangy element.
9. Green Bean Salad Blanched green beans tossed with toasted sesame seeds and a light vinaigrette.
10. Quinoa Tabbouleh A twist on the classic, using quinoa for a protein-rich, gluten-free side.

How To Serve?

• Warm And Crispy: Serve samosas warm to ensure the pastry is crispy and the filling is deliciously aromatic.
• Chutneys And Dips: To complement the flavors, offer a variety of chutneys and dips, such as mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or a spicy red chili dip.
• Plating: Arrange samosas on a platter with garnishes like sliced cucumbers, carrots, or a sprinkle of cilantro for a vibrant presentation.
• Side Salads: Pair with light side salads, such as a cucumber salad or a simple mixed greens salad, to add freshness and balance.
• Raita Or Yogurt Dip: Provide a vegan yogurt-based dip or raita to cool down the spice and add a creamy texture contrast.
• Papadums Or Naan Bread: Include crispy papadums or soft naan bread for an additional texture and flavor contrast.
• Pickles: Offer a selection of pickled vegetables for an extra tangy kick.
• Beverages: Serve with traditional Indian food and beverages like masala chai or a cooling lassi made with vegan yogurt to complement the meal.
• Lemon Wedges: Add lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over their samosas for freshness.
• Individual Servings: For gatherings, consider serving samosas in individual paper bags or on small plates for easy handling and a touch of elegance.

Quick Tip: To enhance the flavor of your vegan samosas, toast the spices for the filling in a dry pan until fragrant before adding them to your mixture.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Storage: Cooked samosas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent them from sticking, layer them between sheets of parchment paper.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and even assemble the samosas beforehand. Store the filling in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze assembled samosas for later cooking.

Fact: Samosas were originally introduced to India by Middle Eastern traders in the 13th or 14th century. They evolved into a beloved snack with regional variations across the subcontinent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Vegan Samosas Gluten-Free?

You can make gluten-free, vegan samosas using gluten-free wrappers instead of traditional filo or puff pastry. Many health food stores offer gluten-free pastry sheets suitable for samosas.

Alternatively, you can make your gluten-free dough using chickpea flour, rice flour, or a pre-made gluten-free flour blend. Remember that the texture might differ slightly from traditional samosas, but they will still be delicious.

How Can I Prevent My Samosas From Becoming Soggy?

To prevent samosas from becoming soggy, ensure they are cooked at the right temperature. If frying, the oil should be hot enough (around 350°F or 180°C) so that the samosas sizzle when they hit the hot oil, sealing the outer layer quickly.

For baking, use a preheated oven and consider brushing the samosas with a little bit of oil to help crisp up the pastry. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the cooking vessel,

which can lower the temperature and lead to soggy samosas. Let them cool on a wire rack instead of a plate to allow air circulation around them.

Can I Prepare The Filling Ahead Of Time?

Preparing the filling ahead of time is a great time-saver. You can cook the filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days before making your samosas.

This allows the flavors to meld together, often resulting in a more flavorful filling. Bring the filling to room temperature to make assembly easier, or gently reheat it before stuffing your samosas.

What Are The Best Dipping Sauces For Vegan Samosas?

Vegan samosas pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Popular choices include mint chutney, made from fresh mint, cilantro, lemon juice, and green chilies, which offers a refreshing counterpoint to the spices in the samosas.

Tamarind chutney, with its sweet and tangy flavor and a spicy red chili sauce, is also excellent for those who prefer a bit of heat. For a creamy option, a vegan yogurt-based dip or raita seasoned with herbs and spices can provide a nice balance.

How Do I Freeze And Reheat Vegan Samosas?

To freeze vegan samosas, arrange the uncooked or cooked samosas on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep them frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, there’s no need to thaw; simply bake the frozen samosas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until they are heated through and crispy,

about 20-25 minutes for uncooked samosas and 10-15 minutes for cooked ones. Baking is preferred over microwaving to retain the crispiness of the pastry.