Chickpea Samosa

Chickpea Samosa: a crunchy and flavorful delicacy. This samosa recipe is not just a snack, but a true culinary experience. The origins of samosas are lost in the mists of time, being a dish loved by many cultures around the world. From the bustling streets of cities to festive tables, samosas are often filled with various ingredients, but today we will focus on a delicious vegetarian version with chickpeas.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 7 samosas

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 225 g flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 5-6 tablespoons warm water (or more)
- oil for frying (approximately 1 liter)

For the filling:
- 400 g canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 100 g peas (thawed or boiled)
- 200-250 ml cold water
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon crushed cumin
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 chili pepper (seeded and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon sea salt

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Add the melted butter and mix gently. Start adding warm water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously until the dough begins to form. Continue kneading for 5-10 minutes until you obtain an elastic and smooth dough. If the dough is too dry, feel free to add a little warm water.

2. Resting the Dough: Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest in a cool place for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the gluten in the flour to relax, making the dough easier to work with.

3. Preparing the Filling: In a deep pan or wok, heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and turmeric, stirring continuously for 30 seconds. This step will activate the flavors of the spices.

4. Adding the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, and chili pepper. Let the mixture sauté over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes golden and soft. The aromas should be enticing at this point.

5. Finalizing the Filling: Add the chickpeas and peas to the pan, along with water and salt. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has evaporated. Once done, transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool.

6. Shaping the Samosas: After the dough has rested, divide it into 7 equal pieces. Roll each piece into balls and flatten them on a floured surface, forming circles about 10-12 cm in diameter. Cut each circle in half, creating two semicircles.

7. Shaping: Moisten the edges of each semicircle with water using a brush. Fold the semicircle to form a cone, sealing the wet edges together. Fill the cone with a teaspoon of chickpea filling, then press the edges to seal well.

8. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil to 175-180°C, enough to submerge the samosas. Fry them in batches of 3-4 at a time for 4-5 minutes or until golden and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd them for even frying.

9. Serving: Once the samosas are fried, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve them hot, alongside a yogurt sauce or a spicy tomato salsa.

Practical Tips:
- If you want a healthier option, you can bake the samosas at 200°C for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- You can experiment with fillings by adding spinach, potatoes, or even feta cheese for a delicious variation.

Nutritional Benefits: Chickpea samosas are rich in protein and fiber due to the high chickpea content. They can be a satisfying snack that will energize you throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use gluten-free flour for the dough?
Yes, you can use rice flour or gluten-free flour blends, but the texture will be different.

2. How can I store the samosas?
You can store fried samosas in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.

3. What can I pair with samosas?
Samosas pair perfectly with mint tea or a refreshing fruit cocktail.

This chickpea samosa recipe is not just a way to delight the taste buds, but also an opportunity to create special moments with family and friends. Share these treats with your loved ones and enjoy the flavors and textures that will bring a touch of joy in every bite!