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Easy Somali Sambusas Recipe: Authentic African Cuisine from Your Kitchen

Authentic Somali Sambusas Recipe - Easy African Cuisine to Make at Home

Discover the mouthwatering world of Somali Sambusas, a delightful fusion dish that showcases the evolution of American cuisine. These crispy, savory pastries blend Somali tradition with Chinese convenience, resulting in an irresistible snack perfect for any occasion.

Originating from the innovative mind of Ilahn Omar, a Somali immigrant in Minnesota, these sambusas have become a Ramadan staple. Omar’s clever use of Chinese egg roll wrappers not only speeds up the cooking process but also enhances the flavor, creating a crunchier, more satisfying exterior than traditional dough.

These sambusas boast a perfectly spiced beef filling encased in a golden, crispy shell. The combination of tender meat and crackling wrapper creates a textural masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re looking for a unique appetizer or a filling snack, these Somali Sambusas are sure to impress.

Ingredients

  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 pound 85% lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder, plus extra to taste
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 package egg roll wrappers
  • Water, for sealing

How to Make

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Mix in beef, parsley, curry powder, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, breaking up lumps, until meat is no longer pink. Adjust curry powder to taste. Transfer the meat mixture to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Clean the skillet.
  2. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Cut each egg roll wrapper diagonally into two triangles. Working with one triangle at a time, lightly brush the edges with water. Fold the long side of the triangle in half, pinching the edge to form a small cup.
  3. Place a generous tablespoon of the meat mixture into each cup. Fold the open flap of the wrapper over the cup, pressing to seal. Arrange finished sambusas on the baking sheet, layering with parchment paper as needed.
  4. Line a platter with several layers of paper towels. In the skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil to 365°F-375°F. Test the oil temperature by dropping a pinch of flour – it should bubble and sizzle. Fry half of the sambusas for 2-4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to the paper-towel-lined platter to drain. Repeat with the remaining sambusas. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
600 Calories
36g Fat
46g Carbs
24g Protein
Detailed Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 600
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 36g 46%
Saturated Fat 6g 31%
Cholesterol 58mg 19%
Sodium 971mg 42%
Total Carbohydrate 46g 17%
Dietary Fiber 5g 16%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 24g
Vitamin C 2mg 8%
Calcium 83mg 6%
Iron 4mg 20%
Potassium 451mg 10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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