Somsa, a savory pastry similar to samsa, boasts a rich history spanning Central Asia and the Middle East. Filled with seasoned meat, onions, and spices, it offers a delightful blend of flavors. Originally baked in clay ovens, this versatile dish can also be fried to perfection. Its cultural significance and mouthwatering taste make it a beloved delicacy worldwide.

Ingredients:

- Puff pastry sheets

- Ground meat (beef or lamb)

- Onion, finely chopped

- Salt

- Black pepper

- Cumin

- Paprika

- Vegetable oil (for frying, if desired)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.

2. In a bowl, mix the ground meat, chopped onion, salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika until well combined.

3. Cut the puff pastry sheets into squares or rectangles, about 4-5 inches in size.

4. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each pastry square.

5. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle and press the edges to seal.

6. If baking, place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. If frying, heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the filled pastries until golden brown on both sides.

8. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious somsa!

Nutrition Value:

1. Puff pastry sheets:

  - Calories: Approximately 160-180 per 1 ounce (28 grams)

  - Carbohydrates: Around 15-20 grams per ounce

  - Protein: About 2 grams per ounce

  - Fat: Approximately 10-12 grams per ounce

  - Sodium: Varies depending on brand, typically around 100-150 milligrams per ounce

  - Cholesterol: Generally low, less than 5 milligrams per ounce

  - Nutritional Benefit: Puff pastry provides energy from carbohydrates and fats but lacks significant vitamins and minerals. It's primarily used as a crispy, flaky outer layer for pastries like somsa.

2. Ground meat (beef or lamb):

  - Calories: Approximately 250-300 per 3 ounces (85 grams)

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Around 20-25 grams per 3 ounces

  - Fat: Varies depending on leanness, typically 15-20 grams per 3 ounces

  - Sodium: Around 60-70 milligrams per 3 ounces

  - Cholesterol: Varies depending on leanness, approximately 70-80 milligrams per 3 ounces

  - Nutritional Benefit: Ground meat is a rich source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. However, it also contains saturated fats, so moderation is key.

3. Onion, finely chopped:

  - Calories: Approximately 10-15 per tablespoon (15 grams)

  - Carbohydrates: Around 2-3 grams per tablespoon

  - Protein: Less than 1 gram per tablespoon

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Very low, typically less than 1 milligram per tablespoon

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Onions are low in calories and a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. They add flavor and aroma to dishes like somsa.

4. Salt:

  - Calories: None

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Approximately 2,300 milligrams per teaspoon (6 grams)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Salt is used for seasoning and flavor enhancement but should be consumed in moderation due to its high sodium content.

5. Black pepper:

  - Calories: None

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Black pepper contains a compound called piperine, which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It's primarily used to add flavor to dishes.

6. Cumin:

  - Calories: Approximately 8-10 per teaspoon (2 grams)

  - Carbohydrates: Around 1 gram per teaspoon

  - Protein: Less than 1 gram per teaspoon

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram per teaspoon

  - Sodium: Very low, typically less than 1 milligram per teaspoon

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cumin is rich in antioxidants and may aid digestion. It adds a warm, earthy flavor to dishes like somsa.

7. Paprika:

  - Calories: Approximately 6-8 per teaspoon (2 grams)

  - Carbohydrates: Around 1 gram per teaspoon

  - Protein: Less than 1 gram per teaspoon

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram per teaspoon

  - Sodium: Very low, typically less than 1 milligram per teaspoon

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Paprika is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin E, and antioxidants. It adds color and a mild, sweet flavor to dishes.

8. Vegetable oil (for frying, if desired):

  - Calories: Approximately 120-130 per tablespoon (14 grams)

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: Around 14 grams per tablespoon

  - Sodium: Very low, typically less than 1 milligram per tablespoon

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Vegetable oil provides fat for frying and cooking. It's high in calories but contains mostly unsaturated fats, which can have positive effects on heart health when consumed in moderation.