Samosaas (Chicago Tribune)
appetizers, indian, pastry, vegetables
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/4 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
1 hot green chili, minced
1 piece fresh ginger, about 1/2-inch; cube, minced
1 medium onion, diced
4 medium red potatoes, cooked, diced
3/4 cup peas
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
10 eggroll wrappers
1 oil for deep-frying
1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cumin and coriander; cook until they are fragrant, 2 minutes. Add the chili and ginger; cook 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium and add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to soften, 4 to 5 minutes. Add potatoes, peas and salt; cook 1 minute. Remove from heat and add cilantro. Filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before using. 2. Spoon filling onto bottom half of eggroll wrappers, using about 1/3-cup filling for each. Fold over and trim into half-moons. Moisten fingers with water; pinch closed. 3. Heat several inches of oil to 375 degrees in a deep saucepan. Fry turnovers, several at a time, until they are crisp and golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve at once.
Yield: 8 pastries