Samosa Cakes with Apple Chutney


These samosa truffles take every thing you like about crispy Indian samosas – spiced potatoes, peas, and heat garam masala – and switch it into a straightforward stovetop patty, no frying or dough-wrapping required. Serve them with a sweet-tangy apple chutney for a snack, appetizer, or mild meal.

Two golden-brown samosa cakes on parchment paper next to a fork and a bowl of apple chutney

Images by Emily Caruso

I like to prepare dinner, however samosas have all the time intimidated me a little bit. Between the deep frying and the dough-wrapping, they felt like extra of a undertaking than a weeknight dish – regardless of being one in every of my favourite Indian snacks: crispy dumplings crammed with spiced potatoes and peas. (In the event you’re craving extra, try our roundups of the best vegetarian Indian recipes and best vegan Indian recipes.)

The filling is absolutely the star anyway, so I ditched the wrapper and the frying altogether. Formed into patties and pan-seared, that very same spiced potato filling turns right into a crispy-edged cake you can also make proper on the stovetop. I stored the normal samosa spices and added roasted peanuts for crunch, then served all of it with a tangy apple chutney as an alternative of the standard mint-cilantro model, since apples are so good this time of 12 months.

Bowls of garam masala, turmeric, and other spices used for samosa cakes

Key Components & Substitutions

  • Russet potatoes. The traditional samosa filling base – they mash simply and maintain the patties collectively effectively. Yukon Golds work too, for a barely creamier texture.
  • Serrano peppers. These convey actual warmth. Swap in jalapeño for one thing milder, or depart them out solely for those who’re cooking for spice-sensitive eaters.
  • Garam masala, turmeric, coriander & chili powder. This heat, earthy spice mix is what makes these style like actual samosas. We like Frontier Co-op garam masala, however any good-quality mix works. Out of garam masala? A mixture of additional cumin and coriander with a pinch of cinnamon will get you shut.
  • Roasted peanuts. They add crunch and a nod to the peanuts you typically discover in samosa filling at eating places. Cashews work as a swap, or depart them out for a nut-free model.
  • Panko bread crumbs. These assist bind the patties and provides the surface a bit extra crispness. We normally attain for Kikkoman panko, however common bread crumbs work in a pinch.
  • Tart apple. Granny Smith brings the tartness the chutney must steadiness the spiced truffles; any agency, tart apple works.

Useful Ideas

Let the potato combination cool earlier than shaping. Heat potatoes are too delicate to carry a patty form – give the combination a minimum of 10 minutes (or pop it within the fridge for five) earlier than forming the truffles.

Press firmly, however do not overwork it. Compact every patty firmly so it holds collectively within the skillet, however keep away from overmixing the filling beforehand, which may make the truffles gummy.

Resist the urge to flip too quickly. Let all sides develop a deep golden-brown crust (about 3 minutes) earlier than flipping – that crust is what holds the truffles collectively, so flipping early could cause them to crumble.

Make the chutney first. It wants time to simmer and funky whilst you prep the truffles, so begin it earlier than you contact the potatoes and let it work within the background.

Use a nonstick or well-seasoned skillet. Since there isn’t any dough wrapper defending the filling, an excellent nonstick floor makes flipping a lot simpler.

Variations

  • Candy potato swap. Use mashed candy potato as an alternative of russets for a barely sweeter, softer cake.
  • Baked as an alternative of pan-fried. Organize the patties on a parchment-lined sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping midway via.
  • Additional veggies. Stir in finely chopped carrots or spinach together with the peas for extra coloration and diet.
  • Traditional chutney. Swap the apple chutney for a conventional mint-cilantro chutney for those who’d somewhat preserve issues traditional.
  • Gluten-free. Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers instead of common panko.
  • Additional spicy. Add a pinch of cayenne or an additional serrano to the filling for extra warmth.

Serving Concepts

Pile a few samosa truffles on a plate with the apple chutney spooned excessive for a lightweight lunch or vegetarian primary. Additionally they make a terrific get together appetizer – set them out on a platter with the chutney in a bowl for dipping and let visitors assist themselves.

For a extra filling meal, add a aspect of vegan naan and a easy cucumber salad, or serve alongside a bowl of vegetable korma for a straightforward Indian-inspired unfold.

Storing & Freezing

Retailer leftover samosa truffles in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days. The apple chutney retains individually within the fridge for a couple of week – simply give it a stir earlier than serving. Reheat the truffles in a skillet over medium warmth or in a 350°F oven till warmed via and crisp once more; the microwave works in a pinch, however it’s going to soften the crust.

These truffles freeze effectively, which makes them nice for meal prep. Allow them to cool utterly, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet earlier than transferring to a freezer bag or container for as much as 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a skillet or oven – no have to thaw first, simply add a number of additional minutes to the cooking time.

Samosa cakes plated with apple chutney and glasses of white wine

Extra Indian-Impressed Recipes

In the event you cherished these samosa truffles, listed below are a number of extra Indian-inspired recipes to attempt:

📖 Recipe

Overhead view of two golden-brown samosa cakes on parchment with a bowl of apple chutney

Samosa Muffins with Apple Chutney

Tender Indian-spiced potato truffles, calmly browned and served with a kicky chutney. All of the flavors of samosas, made straightforward proper at dwelling. They usually’re vegan too!