Sambusa

These Somalian sambusas feature spring roll wrappers filled with seasoned ground beef, onion, and leek for a popular fried, crispy Ramadan treat.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 163 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 leek, chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (14 ounce) package spring roll wrappers
• 1 quart oil for frying, or as needed
• 1 tablespoon water, or as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 365 degrees F (170 degrees C). There should be enough oil to submerge sambusas. Fry sambusas, a few at a time, in hot oil until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion, leek, and garlic; cook and stir until onion is transparent. Add ground beef; cook and stir until still slightly pink and about halfway done. Season with cumin, cardamom, salt, and pepper; mix well. Continue cooking until beef is browned and crumbly. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 3

Mix flour and water together in a small bowl to make a thin paste. Using one wrapper at a time, fold into the shape of a cone. Fill cone with beef mixture, close the top, and seal with paste. Repeat until wrappers or filling are used up.