Sambusaks (Sumboosaks) with Chickpeas

Perfect for your Purim celebration, or just anytime you want a unique little stuffed pastry, these half-moon shaped little pies, stuffed with garbanzo bean and egg filling, fry up golden brown. They are a Sephardic tradition with Iraqi origins.

• Preparation Time: 60 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Total Time: 2 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 253 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ⅓ cup warm water
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 11 eggs
• 1 extra large onion, finely chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and lightly mashed
• ¼ bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and water together in a bowl to form a dough; cover and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Divide the dough into 11 portions, and form into balls. Roll each dough ball out on a floured surface to a 5-inch circle.

Step 2

Cook the onion in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 10 minutes; stir in the garbanzo beans, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.

Step 3

Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep-sided skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 4

Break an egg into a greased custard cup, cover with a square of waxed paper, and cook in a microwave oven on High setting for 40 seconds. Place about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the garbanzo bean filling onto a dough circle, place the slightly cooked egg onto the filling, and gently fold the dough into a half-moon shape. Fold the dough edge over and crimp with a fork to seal in the filling.

Step 5

Deep fry the sambusaks, one or two at a time, in the hot oil until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Remove with a wire strainer, and drain on paper towels.