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Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken or finely chopped chicken breast
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 small potato, boiled and mashed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your heat preference)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds for extra flavor
Optional for garnish:
- More fresh cilantro
- A dollop of yogurt or chutney for dipping
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Chicken Samosa Filling
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s how you can prepare the perfect chicken samosa filling:
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken) to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Once the chicken is cooked, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions turn soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The mixture will start to smell amazing at this point!
3. Spices, Spices, and More Spices!
Add the cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, and optional fennel seeds to the pan. Stir the spices into the chicken and onion mixture, allowing them to toast slightly in the hot oil. This step is essential to bring out the full depth of flavor in the spices. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the spices coat the chicken.
4. Add the Potatoes and Fresh Cilantro
Next, add the boiled and mashed potato to the mixture. Potatoes help bind the filling together while adding a creamy texture. Mix the potato into the chicken and spice mixture thoroughly. This is also the time to add chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness.
5. Finish the Filling
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the mixture for a tangy contrast to the spices. Stir everything well, and taste for seasoning. Add salt or more chili if needed. If the filling feels too dry, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up.
6. Cool the Filling
Once the mixture is fully cooked and seasoned, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely before stuffing your samosas. The filling needs to cool to room temperature to make it easier to handle when you assemble the samosas.
How to Use the Chicken Samosa Filling
Now that your chicken filling is ready, it’s time to fill your samosas. Here’s a quick overview of how to assemble them:
- Prepare the Samosa Wrappers: You can either buy pre-made samosa wrappers from an Indian grocery store or make your own using spring roll wrappers or pasta dough. If using pre-made wrappers, cut them into long strips, and fold them into a cone shape, sealing the edges with a little water or flour paste.
- Stuff the Samosas: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling into each samosa cone. Be sure not to overstuff, as it could cause the wrappers to tear during frying.
- Seal the Samosas: Once the filling is inside, seal the edges of the wrapper with water. Pinch the sides together to form a triangular shape, ensuring the filling is well-encased.
- Fry or Bake the Samosas: Heat oil in a deep pan for frying or preheat your oven for baking. If frying, cook the samosas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. If baking, brush the samosas with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken samosas are best served hot, right after frying or baking. You can pair them with:
- Mint chutney or tamarind chutney for a sweet and tangy dip.
- A side of yogurt or raita for a cooling contrast to the spicy filling.
- A refreshing salad or pickled vegetables to complement the savory flavors.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Snack
This chicken samosa filling recipe brings together tender chicken, a medley of aromatic spices, and creamy potatoes into a delightful filling that’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, family dinner, or just a fun snack, these samosas will never disappoint. They’re a perfect balance of crispy, savory, and spicy—and once you try them, you’ll understand why samosas have become a beloved treat across the world.
So, gather your ingredients, try out this recipe, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade chicken samosas—you’ll soon see why this simple snack is anything but old-fashioned!
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