Beverage : Samsa - how to make this Central Asian pastry

 

 Samsa, a popular Central Asian pastry filled with meat and spices, is delicious and relatively simple to make. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare samsa:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup warm water

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

- 1 pound ground meat (beef or lamb)

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

**Prepare the Dough:**

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil, kneading the mixture until you have a smooth, elastic dough.

2. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

**Prepare the Filling:**

3. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook until they are translucent.

4. Add ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

5. Season the meat mixture with ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Mix well and remove from heat.

**Assemble and Shape Samsa:**

6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

7. Divide the rested dough into golf ball-sized portions. Roll each portion into a thin oval or rectangle shape.

8. Place a generous amount of the meat filling on one half of the rolled-out dough.

9. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a triangle or rectangular shape. Seal the edges well, either by pressing with your fingers or using a fork.

**Baking:**

10. Place the shaped samsa on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

11. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the samsa is golden brown and cooked through.

12. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

**Serve:**

13. Samsa can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve with yogurt or your favorite sauce.

Enjoy your homemade samsa!