Cape Malay Mince Samoosas
Spices Used:
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp garam masala
½ tsp ground black pepper
Optional: chilli flakes (for mild heat)
Ingredients
Mince Filling:
500g beef or lamb mince
1 small onion, finely diced
2 tsp ginger & garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp garam masala
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Pastry:
Samoosa pastry sheets (frozen or fresh)
Flour + water paste (for sealing)
Frying:
Sunflower oil for deep frying
Method:
Step 1: Make the filling
In a large frying pan, heat a little oil and sauté the onion until soft and lightly browned. Add the ginger & garlic paste and cook until fragrant — about 2 minutes.
Add the mince and cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Use a spoon to break it up finely. Stir in all spices and continue to fry until the mixture is completely dry. This is crucial — wet fillings make soggy samoosas.
Once dry, remove from heat and mix in lemon juice and chopped coriander. Let the mixture cool completely before folding.
Step 2: Fold the samoosas
Lay a pastry strip flat. Add 1 heaped teaspoon of filling near the edge. Fold into a triangle, tucking as you go. Seal the final flap with flour paste. Repeat until the filling is used up.
Step 3: Fry to golden perfection
Heat oil in a pot and fry the samoosas in batches until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pot. Drain on paper towels.
Serving Suggestion
Best served hot and crispy, alongside a small bowl of green chutney, sweet chilli sauce, or apricot jam with chilli flakes. For a party platter, pair with other savouries like chilli bites or half-moons, and offer a cooling yoghurt-mint dip to balance the spices.