Sambusa Pastry Recipes

SAMBUSAK (FILLED BEEF PASTRIES)

Steps:

• To make the pastry, first combine the flour and salt.
• Using an electric mixer, cream the margarine and gradually blend in the flour mixture.
• Add the water.
• Knead until a ball forms.
• Let the dough rest as you prepare the filling.
• To make the meat filling, saute the onion in oil until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the chopped meat and brown it, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 20 minutes.
• Let meat cool, then add the spices and pine nuts.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Spread the 1/2 cup of sesame seeds on a large plate.
• Break off walnut size pieces of dough.
• Shape each into a ball and dip it lightly on one side into the sesame seeds, then roll it, seed side down, into a 3-inch round.
• Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of the round.
• Fold it over to make a half-moon and crimp the edges together tightly so that filling will not burst through.
• (Sambusak can be frozen at this point. Place them in a single layer on a tray lined with wax paper and freeze them. Place frozen sambusak in double plastic bags and return them to the freezer. To bake frozen pastries, place them on ungreased baking sheets ) Place pastries on ungreased baking sheets and bake them for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden.

SAMBUSA

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, leek and garlic, and cook, stirring until the onions are transparent. Add ground beef, and cook until about halfway done. Season with cumin, cardamom, salt and pepper. Mix well, and continue cooking until beef has browned.
• In a small dish or cup, mix together the flour and water to make a thin paste. Using one wrapper at a time, fold into the shape of a cone. Fill the cone with the meat mixture, close the top, and seal with the paste. Repeat until wraps or filling are used up.
• Heat the oil to 365 degrees F ( 170 degrees C) in a deep-fryer or deep heavy pot. There should be enough oil to submerge the wraps. Fry the Sambusa a few at a time until golden brown. Remove carefully to drain on paper towels.

SAMBUSA PASTRY

Steps:

• Mix the flour oil and the salt, while using a fork mix in the water slowly, knead the though for 5-10 minutes until smooth and pliable dough.
• Form the dough into a ball and coat the outside with oil. Cover and set it aside for about 15 minutes.
• Heat a skillet on a medium-low heat.
• Knead the dough again and divide it into 8 equal portions.
• Form each portion into a ball.
• Using two balls at a time roll both in 5inch brush one with oil and put the other one on top. Press with your fingers to make sure they line up, roll on a floured surface to flatten with a rolling pin about 9-10 inches in diameter.
• Cut into four peaces with a sharp knife, roll each peace again so it keeps its shape.Place each peace on the warm skillet and leave it each side to dry it out (make sure you don't leave it too long). Remove and let it cool slightly then separate the two slowly without tearing the wrappers.
• Cover with a towel and continue to repeat the same steps until you have finished all peaces.