Somali Sambusa

Somali Sambusa is a stuffed triangular pastries that are very popular appetizers served not only during Ramadan, but any on occasion as an appetizer, they come with all kinds of fillings.

Ingredients:

  • Sambusa wrappers
  • 1 pounds ground beef/lamb
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
  • green onion, chopped
  • 2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 2 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 green chili
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • oil for frying

for the flour paste

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup water, or as needed

Directions:

  • Cook the meat in a skillet with a little oil on a medium heat.
  • Add the onions and green chili, stir until tender
  • Then add coriander, cumin, cardamom, salt, and pepper, garlic, green onion and the cilantro. Cook briefly for few minutes
  • Let the filling cool at room temperature.
  • In a small bowl, mix flour and the water to make a smooth paste.
  • Pick one the sambusa wrappers with your hands and fold it into a cone shape seal it with flour paste.
  • Fill the cone with the filling and close the top into a triangle shape and seal it with the flour paste.
  • Pinch the edges so that it is completely sealed.
  • Continue filling the rest of the sambusas.
  • Heat the oil in frying pan, fry the sambusas until golden brown.
  • Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • Serve while warm.
   

5 Comments

  • Zara says:
    August 14, 2009 at 12:45 am

    This is Fab!! with this recipe am all ready for Ramadan. Many Thanks for the post.

  • amina says:
    August 28, 2009 at 9:12 pm

    Asalam alaykum. thank you what a wonderful web. i realy love cooking even sometimes i think of owening a somali sendwich shop.but my sagestion is there is so many somli people who don’t know how to cook and sametime don’t speak or read english. so can you please make some of your recipies in somali.
    thank you. and jazakalah khayr

  • Zara says:
    September 28, 2009 at 5:27 am

    Salam, just wanted to let you know that I did make the samosa during Ramadan and one of my family members has said that it was the best samosa he had ever had.!!! Thank you sooo much for all your hard work it is appreciated.

  • Sadie Sponsler says:
    March 8, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    Thanks so much for your wonderful website. I am a dietitian teaching in a school with a large population of students from Somalia. I am starting a Halal nutrition and cooking class for the students.
    I am wondering if you have tried baking the Sambusa rather than frying it? If so, does it still taste okay?
    Thanks again!

  • admin says:
    March 9, 2010 at 9:21 am

    Thanks for your comment,
    Some people do bake it for a healthier Sambusa but when you fry it is more tasty.

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