Pakistani Aloo Samosas: Crisp Potato and Pea Pastries That Freeze for After-School Snacks

Make the dough: rub the flour, carom seeds, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 cup oil together until it looks like breadcrumbs. Add water a spoonful at a time to form a stiff dough. Cover and rest 30 minutes.

Serves 8 (24 samosas)

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil or ghee, plus oil for frying
• 6–7 tbsp cold water
• 1 1/2 lb (680g) russet potatoes, boiled, peeled and roughly mashed
• 3/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp crushed coriander seeds
• 1 tsp garam masala and 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 green chili, minced, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp lemon juice
• Tamarind or mint chutney, to serve

Instructions

1. Make the dough: rub the flour, carom seeds, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 cup oil together until it looks like breadcrumbs. Add water a spoonful at a time to form a stiff dough. Cover and rest 30 minutes.
2. Make the filling: heat 1 tbsp oil, sizzle the cumin and coriander seeds for 30 seconds, then add the green chili, peas, potatoes, garam masala, chili powder and remaining salt. Stir 3–4 minutes, finish with cilantro and lemon juice, and cool completely.
3. Divide the dough into 12 balls. Roll each into a 6-inch oval and cut in half to make two semicircles.
4. Fold each semicircle into a cone, sealing the seam with a dab of water. Fill with about 1 1/2 tbsp potato mixture and pinch the top closed.
5. To freeze: arrange uncooked samosas on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then bag them for up to 2 months.
6. To cook: heat oil to 325°F (160°C) and fry fresh or frozen samosas in batches for 10–12 minutes, turning, until deep golden and blistered. Low, slow frying gives the crispest shell.
7. For an easier option, brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 22–25 minutes (add 5 minutes from frozen), or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with tamarind or mint chutney.
9. Samosas are the beloved street snack of Pakistan, sold from roadside karahis across Lahore and Karachi and served at almost every family gathering, especially during Ramadan iftar. A tray of homemade samosas in the freezer means a hot, crunchy after-school snack is never more than 15 minutes away.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 430mg