Spiced Vegetable Samosa with Tamarind Dip

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes and peas, paired with a tangy-sweet tamarind dip for a classic Singaporean street food twist. This asian (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes blends medium potatoes, peas, medium onion 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 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil 2 peeled, diced medium potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until tender. Drain and mash until smooth. Add 1 cup thawed peas, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp turmeric. Mix well and let cool completely.
  2. Step 2: Cook 150g chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp minced ginger in 1 tbsp oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until golden.
  3. Step 3: Add the potato mixture to the skillet and stir for 2 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and cool.
  4. Step 4: Place a samosa wrapper on a clean surface. Add 1.5 tbsp filling to the center, fold into a triangle, then fold bottom corners to meet at the top. Seal edges with water.
  5. Step 5: Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry samosas in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  6. Step 6: Mix 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp chili in a small saucepan. Heat until dissolved, then cool.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Vegetable Samosa with Tamarind Dip take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (40 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Vegetable Samosa with Tamarind Dip?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Vegetable Samosa with Tamarind Dip?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Vegetable Samosa with Tamarind Dip for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spiced Vegetable Samosa with Tamarind Dip vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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