Due to their crunchy texture and a variety of different flavors, samosas provide a perfect introduction to the world of Indian cuisine for newcomers. These deep-fried, triangular pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients ranging from vegetables to meat, such as onions, lentils, spiced potatoes, peas, or ground meat.
It is said that the popular, golden-brown snack travelled to India along the old trade routes from Central Asia, which is why samosas are also prevelent in Middle Eastern countries where they are typically served for Ramadan. In Saudi Arabia, for example, they are typically filled with meat or cheese and can be shaped as triangles, squares, and rolls.
VARIATIONS OF Samosa
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Tamr mahshi is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that consists of stuffed dates. The dish is made by pitting dates and filling them with various ingredients such as nuts (like almonds, pistachios, or walnuts), candied fruit, or sweetened cream.
Sometimes, spices like cinnamon or cardamom are added for extra flavor. This sweet treat is popular across the Middle East, particularly during holidays and special occasions like Ramadan, where it's served as a nutritious and energy-boosting snack after breaking the fast.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Kleija is a traditional Arabian pastry from the region of al-Qassim. It is typically round or oval with a slightly domed shape, often adorned with intricate patterns pressed into the dough before baking. The outer layer is usually crisp, while the inside remains soft and flavorful.
It has a rich, spiced flavor profile, often sweet but with savory undertones depending on the filling. The dough is made from wheat flour, sugar, milk, and ghee (clarified butter), providing a rich and slightly sweet base. The filling varies but commonly includes dates, black lemon, sesame seeds, or nuts, with spices such as cardamom and cinnamon.
Martabak is a roti-like stuffed and fried pancake which is often served as a popular street food item in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Although the fillings may vary, some of the most popular ones include ground meat, eggs, garlic, onions, peppers, curry, and ghee.
Fresh herbs such as coriander and mint are often used for additional flavoring. The flatbread dough is supposed to be extremely thin and requires a lot of expertise. Another name for the dish is mutabbaq, an Arabic word meaning folded, referring to the way in which the stretchy dough is folded around the filling during cooking.
Areeka is a traditional dessert that is prepared with a combination of mashed dates and crumbled bread such as khubz, while the additions usually include cream, condensed milk, honey, and spices. This filling dessert can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a light snack, and it is typically drizzled with honey and garnished with slivered almonds.
Interestingly, some variations are topped with grated cheese.
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