Entree: Turkmenistan – Southern Culinary Region – Samsa (Triangular baked meat pastry filled with spiced lamb and onions)

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 30 min

Cook 30 min

Additional 10 min

Total 1 hr 10 min

Ingredients

- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil for the dough
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm water, more as needed
- 1 lb (454 g) ground lamb
- 2 large onions, finely chopped, about 8 oz (225 g)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) clarified butter or vegetable oil for the filling
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (2 g) ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, or to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) (optional)
- 1 tbsp (15 g) sesame seeds for sprinkling
- 2 tbsp (30 g) melted butter for brushing after baking (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl combine flour and 1 tsp (5 g) salt. Stir in 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil and warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth, about 6–8 minutes. Cover and let rest 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) clarified butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent and beginning to brown, about 8–10 minutes. Cool slightly.
3. In a bowl combine ground lamb, cooked onions, ground cumin, ground coriander, 1 tsp (5 g) salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined; the filling may be used raw or briefly seared for extra flavor.
4. Divide rested dough into 12 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface roll each piece into a circle about 6 inches (15 cm) across. Place about 2–3 tbsp (30–45 g) of filling in the center of each circle.
5. Fold the dough to form a tight triangle (or envelope), pinching edges firmly to seal so no filling leaks. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Brush each samsa with beaten egg if using, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Let rest 10 minutes while oven preheats.
7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake samsa for 25–30 minutes until pastry is golden brown and filling is cooked through.
8. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter if desired. Serve warm with plain yogurt or tea.