Baked Samosa Pinwheels: A Fusion Snack with a Crunch
Samosas are one of the most beloved snacks in Indian cuisine, with their crispy, golden shells and delicious spiced fillings. But what if we could take this classic treat and give it a modern twist? Enter Baked Samosa Pinwheels – a delightful fusion snack that’s just as comforting and flavorful as the traditional samosa, but without the deep frying. These pinwheels are perfect for tea time, parties, or as a quick snack, and they are baked to golden perfection for that crispy, crunchy bite.
Ingredients:
Here’s a look at what you’ll need for both the dough and the stuffing:
For the Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vivatta Maida (All-Purpose Flour) | 1 cup |
| Sooji (Semolina/Rava) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | As needed to make dough |
For the Stuffing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Banana (Boiled and mashed) | 1 |
| Green Peas (Matar) (Boiled) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Chilies (Finely chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 1/2 teaspoon |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Coating:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds) | As required |
| Sunflower Oil | As required for greasing |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings:
- Yields: 2 servings (about 10-12 pinwheels)
Cuisine:
- Indian Fusion Snack
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Vivatta Maida (all-purpose flour), Sooji (semolina), salt, and sunflower oil. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a soft dough.
- Once the dough has come together, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
- While the dough is resting, boil the raw banana and mash it thoroughly. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the boiled green peas, finely chopped green chilies, fresh coriander leaves, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, amchur (dry mango powder), and salt. Add the mashed banana and mix everything well to create a thick and flavorful stuffing. Set the mixture aside.
Step 3: Shape the Pinwheels
- After the dough has rested for 10 minutes, knead it for another minute to smooth it out.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Lightly flour your working surface, and roll out one portion of the dough into a circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Trim the edges of the circle to create a neat pastry sheet.
- Repeat the process for the second portion of dough.
- Once the pastry sheets are ready, spread one portion of the stuffing evenly on one sheet, leaving a small border along the edges.
- Carefully roll the sheet with the stuffing into a tight log. Once rolled, slice the log into 1 1/2-inch pieces to form pinwheels.
- Press the edges of each pinwheel gently to secure the filling and ensure it holds its shape.
Step 4: Coat and Bake
- Rub each pinwheel gently in sesame seeds, pressing lightly so they stick to the dough.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or the temperature indicated on your puff pastry packaging if using pre-made sheets.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the pinwheels on the sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Lightly brush the tops of the pinwheels with sunflower oil to help them brown.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes or until the pinwheels turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from the oven and allow the samosa pinwheels to cool for a few minutes.
- Serve warm with a cup of Masala Chai or your favorite dipping sauce. These baked samosa pinwheels are perfect for a cozy tea-time snack, appetizer at parties, or a delightful treat for any occasion.
Tips for the Best Baked Samosa Pinwheels:
- Dough Consistency: Make sure the dough is soft, not too stiff or too loose. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a touch of water.
- Stuffing Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. You can add cooked potatoes, carrots, or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for variety.
- Freezing for Later: You can freeze these pinwheels before baking. Simply arrange them on a tray, freeze until firm, and then store in an airtight container. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; just bake directly from frozen for an extra 5 minutes.
Enjoy Your Baked Samosa Pinwheels!
These Baked Samosa Pinwheels are a guilt-free, baked version of the iconic samosa. They offer the same hearty, spiced filling but with a healthier twist. The crisp, golden exterior and savory stuffing will surely impress anyone who tastes them. Whether for a family gathering or a quick snack during the day, these pinwheels will be a hit every time.
Serve them alongside Linzer Cookies or a refreshing glass of Masala Chai, and you have a perfect snack combination that’s sure to delight.
Storage Tips:
- In the fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the freezer: Freeze unbaked pinwheels for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy these delicious, flavorful pinwheels as part of your next meal, and share them with friends and family. Happy cooking!
