Pan-Fried Spiced Potato and Pea Samosas

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-10 · Updated 2026-07-10

Golden, pan-fried samosas filled with a fragrant blend of spiced potatoes and peas, perfect as a snack or appetizer. This indian-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes turns all-purpose flour, water, vegetable oil into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 medium (about 450g), boiled and mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup frozen green peas
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 small, finely chopped green chili
• as needed water for dough
• 1 cup oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 3 tbsp vegetable oil. Gradually add 1/2 cup water and knead into a stiff dough. Cover with a damp cloth and set aside for 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tsp cumin seeds and 1/2 tsp mustard seeds. Once they begin to pop, add 1/2 cup frozen green peas and sauté for 3 minutes until tender.
3. Step 3: Add 3 boiled and mashed medium potatoes, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1 small finely chopped green chili, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro to the skillet. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and dry. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Step 4: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into an 8-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Cut each circle in half to form two semi-circles.
5. Step 5: Take one semi-circle and fold it into a cone shape, sealing the edge with a little water. Fill the cone with 2-3 tbsp of the potato and pea filling, then seal the open edge carefully with water, pressing firmly to close.
6. Step 6: Heat 1 cup oil in a deep pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the samosas in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.