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Uzbek Samsa with Spiced Beef Filling and Yoghurt-Harissa Dip Recipe

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4.1 from 7 reviews

Uzbek Samsa is a delicious traditional savory pastry filled with spiced minced beef or lamb, wrapped in a flaky dough and baked until golden and crisp. Served with a zesty yoghurt and rose harissa dip, this recipe offers an authentic taste of Central Asian cuisine in just under an hour.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 7 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (or 170°C fan oven) to prepare for baking.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Uzbek