Simmered Vegetable Samosas with Tamarind Chutney

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-04 · Updated 2026-06-04

Crisp-fried samosas stuffed with a savory vegetable filling, served with tangy tamarind chutney inspired by East African coastal flavors. This african-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes blends all-purpose flour, warm water, plus more for frying vegetable oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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, warm water
• 3 tbsp, plus more for frying vegetable oil
• 2 medium, peeled and diced potato
• 1 medium, diced carrot
• 1/2 cup frozen green peas
• 1 small, finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp tamarind paste
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (for chutney) water

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 tbsp vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup warm water. Knead into a smooth, firm dough. Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Boil 2 medium diced potatoes and 1 diced carrot in salted water for 8 minutes until tender. Drain, then add 1/2 cup frozen green peas and mix well.
3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and toast until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Step 4: Add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Mix the cooked vegetables into the spiced onion mixture and cook together for 3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
6. Step 6: Divide dough into 12 equal balls. Roll each ball into a thin oval, cut in half to form two semi-circles.
7. Step 7: Form a cone with each semi-circle, fill with 2 tbsp vegetable filling, and seal edges using water.
8. Step 8: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry samosas in batches for 3-4 minutes each until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
9. Step 9: For chutney, combine 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
10. Step 10: Serve hot samosas with the tamarind chutney for dipping.