Afghan Sambosa or Puff Pastry , it's Afghan snack , is loved for its flavors, crunch, and unique filling . It's versatile and perfect for sharing on occasions .

Afghan Sambosa is a popular choice among Afghan cuisine enthusiasts due to its delightful flavors, satisfying crunch, and unique filling. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed as a quick snack, starter, or main course. The blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric gives it a distinctive taste, making it a favorite for those who enjoy bold flavors. Often served during special occasions, its crunchy exterior and flavorful filling make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Water (for kneading)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

1- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

2- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

3- Add the minced garlic and ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.

4- Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.

Prepare the Dough:

1- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and vegetable oil.

2- Gradually add water and knead the dough until it's smooth and pliable. It should be neither too sticky nor too dry.

3- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Assemble the Sambosas:

1- Divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls, roughly the size of a ping pong ball.

2- Roll each ball into a thin, circular disc. You can use a rolling pin for this.

3- Cut the circular disc in half to create two semicircles.

Fill and Fold:

1- Take one semicircle and form a cone shape by folding it in half and sealing the edge with a little water to make a triangle pocket.

2- Fill the pocket with a spoonful of the prepared meat mixture.

3- Fold the open edge of the dough over the filling to create a triangular sambosa. Seal the edges well with water to prevent any filling from leaking during frying.

4- Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.

Fry the Sambosas:

1- In a deep pan or a fryer, heat vegetable oil for deep frying to 350-375°F (175-190°C).

2- Carefully lower the sambosas into the hot oil and fry until they become golden brown and crispy, which should take about 4-5 minutes.

3- Remove the sambosas with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy:

1- Afghan Sambosas are best enjoyed hot and crispy. Serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as chutney or yogurt-based sauces.

2- These Afghan Sambosas make a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer. Enjoy the blend of spices and flavors that make this Afghan delicacy so special!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Afghan Sambosa recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on factors like brand, preparation, and serving size.

For the Filling (per 1 lb of ground beef):

• Calories: 840 kcal
• Protein: 80g
• Fat: 56g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Sodium: Varies based on added salt

benefits:

1. Ground beef or lamb: Provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
2. Onion: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C and B vitamins.
3. Garlic: Contains allicin, a compound with potent medicinal properties, including boosting the immune system and reducing blood pressure.
4. Ground cumin: Known for its digestive benefits and may help improve blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
5. Ground coriander: Contains antioxidants and has been linked to improved digestion and lower blood sugar levels.
6. Ground turmeric: Contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
7. Chili powder: May help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss, as well as providing a source of vitamin A and C.
8. Salt and pepper: Used for flavoring, but should be consumed in moderation due to high sodium content.

For the Dough (per 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup vegetable oil):

• Calories: 1,160 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 186g
• Fiber: 7.6g
• Sugars: 0g
• Sodium: 1,280mg (mainly from salt)

benefits:

1. All-purpose flour: Provides carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein and fiber.
2. Salt: Enhances flavor and helps regulate fluid balance in the body.
3. Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough together.
4. Water: Used for kneading the dough and helps create the right consistency for frying.

For Frying (vegetable oil for deep frying):

• The nutritional content of the frying oil depends on the type of oil used (e.g., vegetable oil, canola oil). On average, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil contains approximately 120 calories and 14g of fat.

benefits:

Vegetable oil: Provides the necessary fat for deep frying, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie content.

It's essential to note that these values are approximate and can vary based on various factors, including the brand and type of ingredients used. Additionally, the actual nutritional content of the sambosas may vary based on the amount of filling and dough used, as well as the size of the sambosas. If you require precise nutritional information, it's recommended to calculate it based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use in your recipe.