Indulge in the savory delight of Jordanian Sambousek, a delectable deep-fried pastry that tantalizes the taste buds with its crispy exterior and flavorful fillings. Traditionally stuffed with your choice of succulent minced meat, creamy cheese, or vibrant vegetables, each bite unveils a symphony of Middle Eastern spices and aromas. Whether enjoyed as a savory snack, appetizer, or part of a hearty meal, Sambousek promises a culinary journey through the rich gastronomic heritage of Jordan.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup water, room temperature
For the filling:
- 1 cup minced meat (beef or lamb)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (for cheese filling)
- 1/2 cup chopped mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas) (for vegetable filling)
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the melted butter and mix until crumbly.
2- Slowly add the water while kneading the dough until it comes together to form a smooth, elastic dough. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3- In the meantime, prepare the filling. For the meat filling, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the minced meat. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the chopped onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4- If you're making the vegetable filling, sauté the chopped vegetables in a skillet until they are tender. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let cool.
5- Preheat the oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
6- Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut. Roll out each ball into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
7- Place a spoonful of the desired filling (meat, cheese, or vegetables) in the center of each dough circle.
8- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-circle and press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
9- Carefully place the filled sambousek in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
10- Once cooked, remove the sambousek from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
11- Serve the sambousek hot as a delicious appetizer or snack, alongside your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your homemade Jordanian Sambousek!
Nutritional Values :
Here’s the nutritional breakdown and benefits for the ingredients in your dough and filling:
For the Dough:
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):
- Calories: Approximately 910
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 190 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
Benefits:Provides the main structure and base for the dough, contributing carbohydrates for energy.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon):
- Calories: 0
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Benefits:Enhances flavor and helps strengthen the dough’s gluten structure.
Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted):
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Fat: 44 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Benefits:Adds richness and fat, helping to create a tender and flaky texture.
Water (1/2 cup, room temperature):
- Calories: 0
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Benefits:Hydrates the flour, allowing it to come together and form a dough.
For the Filling:
Minced Meat (1 cup, beef or lamb):
- Calories: Approximately 320 (for lamb) or 400 (for beef)
- Fat: 28 grams (lamb) or 30 grams (beef)
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 22 grams (lamb) or 24 grams (beef)
Benefits:Provides high-quality protein, essential vitamins (such as B12), and minerals (such as iron).
Small Onion (1, finely chopped):
- Calories: Approximately 45
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
Benefits:Adds flavor and contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced):
- Calories: Approximately 8
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 0.4 grams
Benefits:Adds flavor and has potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon):
- Calories: Approximately 4
- Fat: 0.25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 grams
- Protein: 0.2 grams
Benefits:Adds flavor and provides antioxidants.
Ground Coriander (1/2 teaspoon):
- Calories: Approximately 3
- Fat: 0.15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 grams
- Protein: 0.1 grams
Benefits:Adds flavor and provides antioxidants.
Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional):
- Calories: Approximately 1
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 grams
- Protein: 0.1 grams
Benefits:Adds heat and may boost metabolism. Contains capsaicin, which has potential health benefits
Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Calories: 0
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Benefits:Enhances flavor. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.
Crumbled Feta Cheese (1/2 cup):
- Calories: Approximately 140
- Fat: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 8 grams
Benefits:Adds flavor, protein, and calcium.
Chopped Mixed Vegetables (1/2 cup):
- Calories: Approximately 25
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
Benefits:Adds nutrients, vitamins, and fiber to the filling.
Oil for Frying:
- Calories: Varies based on the type and amount used (approximately 120 calories per tablespoon)
- Fat: Varies based on the type and amount used (approximately 14 grams per tablespoon)
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
Benefits:Provides necessary fat for cooking and adds flavor to the filling.
These values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, cooking methods, and specific ingredients used.
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