Nigerian Samosa :How to make Nigerian Samosa (baked and fried recipe provided)

 

Nigerian Samosa is actually the  good old Asian Samosa. It is a �borrowed� recipe which has become very popular in Nigeria, that a lot of folks really think it�s a Nigerian delicacy.
I guess you thought so too *wink*wink*

 The only thing Nigerian about samosas, is the love Nigerians have for this tasty snack ?.
Samosa is usually served at most Nigerian parties as an appetizer, and also classified as a �small chop�(that�s a coined phrase for �finger foods�) .

Well, if you are one of those who never get to eat one of these at those parties, Here�s the popular Nigerian Samosa recipe for you. Enjoy.

Ingredients for Nigerian Samosa 
This makes 16 samosas:
For the Samosa dough, you�ll need:
- 120g  All purpose flour (Plain white flour) 
- 3 tablespoonful of vegetable oil or melted margarine 
-  Half teaspoon Dry parsely,Thyme or herb of choice(optional) 
- Half leveled teaspoon of salt
 - Warm water(as needed)

Ingredients for the The filling:
- 200g minced beef/chicken
- 2 medium Irish potatoes
- 2 medium carrots(optional)
- 2 handfuls of green peas
-  1 long stalk of spring onion OR minced onion
-  1 tiny garlic/a pinch of garlic powder
-  1 teaspoon of curry powder 
-   A pinch of black pepper (optional)
-  1 stock cube
-  2 cooking spoonfuls of vegetable oil
-  chili pepper(cayenne) (to taste)
-  Salt  (to taste)
-Vegetable oil for deep-frying the Samosas
 Note: Samosas can also be baked so, skip the vegetable oil for deep frying, if you opt for baking. 

Preparation: 
 To make the Nigerian Samosa filling

**Cut the spring onions into thin circles and set aside

**Wash and peel the Irish potatoes and carrots. Cut into very tiny bits and cook in salted water for 5 minutes. If using fresh peas, Add it to the carrots and potatoes and cook for 5 more minutes until all the vegetables are soft.
   Strain and set aside.

*Heat up the oil in a pot, add the spring onions garlic, curry, black pepper(if you�re using it) and stir-fry for few seconds 
 Tip: Frying the spices, releases their natural flavors and oils.

* Add the minced meat/chicken. Stir-fry the meat until the color changes from pink to a pale color(if you�re using chicken,the color will be white). 
      Add the stock cubes,chili pepper and salt to taste.
       Then add the cooked vegetables. 
  Mix thoroughly, Set aside and leave to cool.

To make the Nigerian Samosa dough:

*Pour the flour into a bowl, add salt and add the 3 tablespoonful of vegetable oil and warm water.Mix well until you get a stretchy dough. 

*Then cover with an airtight plastic wrap or aluminum foil and leave to rest for about 15 minutes.

*After 15 minutes, knead the dough to make it more stretchy and elastic. 

*Cut out a bit, roll out with a rolling pin .Make sure its not so thin, should be about 3-4 mm in thickness.

*Using a circular cutter, cut the rolled dough, and remove the excess dough at the corners, and then cut the circular shape into  2 diameters(2 half circles of equal sizes). 
 Rub water on the straight edges of one of the dough and shape it into a cone(the shape of a party hat);
*Now take a spoonful of the Samosa filling and scoop it into the cone shaped dough. Don�t over fill it. Rub some water at the edges and seal tightly.Repeat this process for the remaining dough.
*Heat up some oil  until moderately hot and fry the Samosas in it. Fry both sides of the Samosa until lightly brown and transfer into a sieve lined with paper towels and Enjoy!


 TIP: If you�ll rather bake the samosa, brush with oil or egg wash, set your oven to 180�C  and bake for 15 minutes.

Nigerian samosa is enjoyed with a chilled drink or any local Nigerian Drink.