Ingredients
Dough
- 150g Plain Flour
- 1/2 tsp Dry yeast
- Pinch Salt
- 80ml Warm milk
- 30g Ghee or melted butter
Filling
- 200g Beef or lamb mince
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
Dip
- 2 tbsp Plain or Greek yoghurt
- 1 tsp Rose harissa paste
Topping
- 1 Egg, whisked
- Black sesame seeds
Instructions
- Making the Dough: In a bowl, mix the plain flour, dry yeast, a pinch of salt, and warm milk. Knead the mixture for about 5 minutes until it forms a smooth dough. If needed, add a little more warm milk to achieve the right consistency. Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for 20 minutes to rise.
- Shaping the Dough: Roll out the dough into a large flat sheet. Gently brush melted ghee or butter over the surface. Then, roll the dough lengthwise into a long rope shape. Cut this rope into 1-inch pieces. Place each piece with the swirl side up on a floured surface and press down slightly to flatten.
- Rolling Wrappers: Sprinkle flour over each piece and roll it out into a circular wrapper about 4mm thick and roughly 3 inches in diameter, ready to be filled.
- Preparing the Filling: In a bowl, combine the minced beef or lamb with finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and ground coriander until well mixed.
- Assembling Samsa: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper shaping it into a small triangle. Brush the edges of the wrapper with the whisked egg to act as glue, then fold the sides up to form a neat triangle, ensuring the edges are well sealed to prevent leakage during baking. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (or 170°C fan oven) to prepare for baking.
- Baking Samsa: Arrange the assembled samsas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops generously with more whisked egg and sprinkle with black sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and golden color. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the pastries are lightly golden and cooked through.
- Preparing the Yoghurt Dip: While the samsas bake, mix the plain or Greek yoghurt with the rose harissa paste in a small serving bowl to create a flavorful dip.
- Serving: Remove the baked samsas from the oven and serve hot, accompanied by the spicy rose harissa yoghurt dip for an authentic and delicious finish.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is kneaded well to develop gluten for a flaky texture.
- The filling can be adjusted with mild chili or additional spices to taste.
- Brush the pastries thoroughly with egg wash to get a beautiful golden crust.
- Use warm milk to activate the yeast properly.
- Black sesame seeds add a traditional touch and subtle nutty flavor, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Uzbek