Indulge in the rich flavors of Eritrea with our traditional Sambusa. A beloved staple in Eritrean cuisine, our Sambusa offers a tantalizing blend of savory spices, tender meats, or hearty vegetables encased in a crisp, golden pastry shell. Bursting with aromatic herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, each bite is a journey through the vibrant streets of Eritrean culture. Whether enjoyed as a savory snack, appetizer, or part of a flavorful meal, our Eritrean Sambusa promises to transport your taste buds to the bustling markets and lively gatherings of this East African nation.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup warm water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup lentils, cooked and drained
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the vegetable oil while mixing with your hands until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

2- Slowly add warm water, kneading the dough until it forms a smooth and elastic ball. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

1- In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.

2- Stir in the cooked lentils, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.

Assemble and Fry the Sambusas:

1- Divide the dough into equal-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball. Roll out each ball into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.

2- Place a spoonful of the lentil filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.

3- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges if desired.

4- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (180°C). Carefully place the assembled sambusas into the hot oil, frying in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

5- Remove the sambusas from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve:

1- Serve the Eritrean sambusas hot, either as a snack or appetizer, with your favorite dipping sauce or chutney. Enjoy the delicious flavors of Eritrea in every crispy bite!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Eritrean Sambusa recipe:

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):

• Calories: 900 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 186 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 2 g
• Fiber: 6 g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy, contains some protein for muscle repair and growth, and supplies small amounts of vitamins and minerals such as iron and B vitamins.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible caloric value; mainly sodium.

benefits:Essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body, nerve function, and muscle contraction.

Vegetable Oil (1/4 cup for dough + for frying):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Total Fat: 56 g
• No significant carbohydrates or protein.

benefits:Source of healthy fats that support cell growth, provide energy, and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, D, E, and K.

Warm Water (1/2 cup):

• Negligible caloric value; no significant macronutrients.

benefits:Essential for hydration, helps regulate body temperature, aids digestion, and facilitates various metabolic processes in the body.

Lentils (1 cup, cooked and drained):

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Fat: 1 g
• Fiber: 16 g

benefits:Rich in protein for muscle building and repair, high in fiber which promotes digestive health, and a good source of vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, and potassium.

Onion (1 small):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 1 g

benefits:Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases, provides fiber for digestive health, and offers vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C and potassium.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties, supports immune function, helps lower cholesterol levels, and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Cumin Powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Contains antioxidants that may help fight inflammation and promote heart health, aids digestion, and adds flavor without additional calories.

Coriander Powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Rich in antioxidants that may help protect against cellular damage, aids digestion, and adds a citrusy flavor to dishes.

Turmeric Powder (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:Contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, and supports brain health.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands of ingredients and preparation methods.