Sambusa are a special food served all over the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and East/North Africa. They go by different names and have different ingredients and this is just one way you can prepare them. In Yemen these are a special Ramadan treat and are eaten during Iftar at sunset. The most common kinds are either beef (this recipe), potato, or cheese, but you can add any kind of filling that you like.

Ingredients

How to make

1.       Sautee the onions and garlic in oil over medium heat until slightly brown.

2.       Then add the tomatoes and cook until the water has evaporated.

3.       Add the beef and break up with a spoon. Add the chilis, spices, and salt. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and all the water is evaporated, about 15 minutes or so. It is important that the mixture be as dry as possible.

4.       Begin to spoon a bit of filling onto the end of each sambusa wrapper. I do this in an equilateral triangle shape. Then gently fold the sambusa over, keeping the filling tightly wrapped inside. Continue until you reach the end of the wrapper. Take care not to leave holes at the corners of the triangle because that will let in too much oil. (This happened to me on some of them).

5.       Fry in oil over medium-high heat until golden brown. (5-10 minutes). Best served when hot.

Related Posts

Thamool

Adeni Tea or Arabic Shai

Yemeni Chicken Soup