There is something utterly delightful about biting into a warm, golden pocket of sambousek, the crispy pastry giving way to a savory, aromatic filling. Originating from the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, sambousek brings families together, creating memories that linger long after the meal is over. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering, a cozy family dinner, or simply want a treat that tastes like home, this sambousek recipe is your go-to. The magic lies in its versatility: stuffed with spiced meat, vegetables, or cheese, each sambousek tells its own delicious story. Let’s bring some of that timeless Middle Eastern charm to your kitchen, and create moments of joy and creativity with your loved ones.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Skill Level: Intermediate
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh herbs, for garnish
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add the vegetable oil and warm water, and knead the mixture until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- While the dough is resting, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through. If you’re using pine nuts, stir them in now. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
- Divide the dough into small balls, and roll each one into a thin circle on a floured surface. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Heat enough oil in a deep frying pan to cover the sambousek. Fry them in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve the sambousek hot, garnished with fresh herbs, and enjoy with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed vegetables or cheese.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pastry dough.
- Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
- Store any leftover sambousek in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
- You can also freeze uncooked sambousek for up to 2 months. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve with a refreshing yogurt dip or a tangy tomato chutney.
- Pair with a crisp, green salad to balance the rich flavors of the sambousek.
- A warm cup of mint tea makes the perfect complementary drink.
At Zynahz, we believe that every recipe is a journey to togetherness, flavor, and creativity. This sambousek recipe is more than just food; it’s a way to gather, share, and enjoy the simple joys of cooking. We invite you to try this recipe, share the joy with friends and family, and let us know how it goes! We love seeing your culinary creations, so please tag us on social media and sign up for our newsletter for more amazing recipes. Let’s keep the love for cooking alive together, one dish at a time.
