These sambusa are crispy, golden pastries filled with a warmly spiced beef mixture and fried to perfection. Popular across East Africa and the Middle East, sambusa are a must-have appetizer for gatherings, Ramadan, and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-crispy exterior with a juicy, flavorful filling
- Made with simple pantry spices
- Perfect for parties, snacks, or iftar
- Freezer-friendly and make-ahead friendly
- Authentic taste with easy-to-follow steps
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 leek, washed and chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon water (or as needed)
- 1 (14-ounce) package spring roll wrappers
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add onion, leek, and garlic. Cook until softened and translucent.
- Add ground beef and cook until partially browned.
- Stir in cumin, cardamom, salt, and black pepper.
- Continue cooking until beef is fully browned and crumbly. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix flour and water to form a thin paste for sealing.
- Fold one spring roll wrapper into a cone shape.
- Fill with beef mixture, seal with paste, and repeat.
- Heat oil to 365°F (170°C).
- Fry sambusa in batches until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Tips & Tricks
- Keep wrappers covered to prevent drying
- Do not overfill to avoid bursting
- Fry at the correct temperature for even crisping
- Drain excess oil on a wire rack for best texture
Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 sambusa
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: East African / Middle Eastern
- Difficulty: Medium
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Swap beef with ground chicken or lamb
- Add chili for extra heat
- Serve with hot sauce or chutney
Nutrition (Approximate per sambusa)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 9g
FAQ
What is sambusa made of?
Sambusa are made with spiced meat or vegetable fillings wrapped in thin pastry and fried.
Can sambusa be baked instead of fried?
Yes, bake at 400°F until golden, brushing lightly with oil.
Can I freeze sambusa?
Yes, freeze before frying for up to 2 months.
What oil is best for frying?
Use neutral oils like vegetable or sunflower oil.
Are sambusa the same as samosas?
They’re similar but sambusa are thinner and more crisp.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (uncooked)
- Reheating: Oven or air fryer for best crispness
Similar Recipes
Sambusa (Crispy Spiced Beef Pastries)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 leek washed and chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon water or as needed
- 1 14-ounce package spring roll wrappers
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add onion, leek, and garlic. Cook until softened and translucent.
- Add ground beef and cook until partially browned.
- Stir in cumin, cardamom, salt, and black pepper.
- Continue cooking until beef is fully browned and crumbly. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix flour and water to form a thin paste for sealing.
- Fold one spring roll wrapper into a cone shape.
- Fill with beef mixture, seal with paste, and repeat.
- Heat oil to 365°F (170°C).
- Fry sambusa in batches until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
Conclusion
This sambusa recipe delivers authentic flavor, irresistible crunch, and a perfectly spiced beef filling. Whether for celebrations or everyday snacking, these golden pastries are guaranteed to disappear fast.