Entree: Kazakhstan – Southern Kazakhstan – Самса ➤ Samsa (Baked savory triangular pastry filled with spiced meat and onions)

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 45 min

Cook 25 min

Additional 30 min

Total 1 hr 30 min

Ingredients

- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1 tsp (5 g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm water (approximate, adjust as needed)
- 1 lb (454 g) ground lamb (or finely chopped lamb shoulder)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped, approx. 8 oz (225 g)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil for filling
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, or to taste
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash

Instructions

1. Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Rub in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in vegetable oil, then add warm water a little at a time to form a smooth, pliable dough. Knead briefly, cover, and rest 30 minutes.
2. While dough rests, heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, 6–8 minutes. Add ground lamb and cook, breaking up meat, until browned and cooked through, 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, and 1 tsp (5 g) salt. Cook 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices. Remove from heat and mix in chopped cilantro or parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning; allow filling to cool to warm.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
5. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces for medium triangles. Roll each piece into a thin circle about 5–6 in (12–15 cm) across. Place about 2–3 tbsp (30–45 g) warm meat filling in the center of each circle.
6. Fold into triangular parcels by bringing three sides together and sealing edges tightly; press edges with a fork or pinch to seal. Place sealed side up on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush each samsa with beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.