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
Bhalla is a flavorful snack that is popular throughout Pakistan and North India. It is prepared with a combination of green bean paste and various spices, which is then shaped into croquets and deep-fried in hot oil. This street food staple can be bought at numerous street stands and chaat shops, where it is typically served cold, drizzled with dahi yogurt and chutneys.
Chargah is a Lahori chicken specialty made with marinated chicken that is traditionally steamed and then deep-fried until nicely colored and crispy. A whole skinless chicken is thoroughly coated with a flavor-packed mixture of spices, ginger, garlic, lemon or lime juice, vinegar, and sometimes yogurt.
Typical spices used in the marinade include green chilis, cumin seeds, cinnamon powder, garam masala powder, chaat masala, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander, and carom seeds. After marinating for several hours or overnight, the chicken is steamed until tender and then fried in hot oil.
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