Cheese Samboosa

Cheese Samboosa Recipe from Oman - Feta, Onion, and Tomato Filo Rolls

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Cheese Samboosa is a delicious and popular appetizer that is enjoyed in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries. These crispy, savory pastries are filled with a flavorful mixture of feta cheese, onions, tomatoes, and spices, then deep-fried to perfection. They are perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or as a tasty snack.

History

The origins of Samboosa can be traced back to the Middle East, where they are a popular street food and party snack. The name "Samboosa" is believed to have originated from the Persian word "sanbosag," which refers to a triangular pastry filled with meat or vegetables. Over time, different variations of Samboosa have emerged, including the cheese-filled version that we are making today.

Ingredients

1 (500 g) box of feta cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1-2 tbsp of olive oil
1 clove of garlic, smashed
1 medium tomato, finely chopped
0.5 maggi chicken bouillon cube
1 tbsp oregano flakes
Samboosa wrappers, eggroll wrappers, or filo pastry sheets
vegetable oil for deep frying

How to prepare

Cut the feta cheese into small cubes. Cover with cold water and soak for at least half an hour to remove excess salt.
In a skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion in a few tablespoons of olive oil. Once the onion is translucent, add the finely chopped tomato and smashed garlic. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Add half a Maggi Chicken bouillon cube and a tablespoon of oregano flakes. Stir until the bouillon cube is dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Drain the feta cheese and add it to the onion mixture. Mix well.
To roll the samboosa: Lay out a samboosa wrapper, which is long and rectangular in shape, with a short edge of the rectangle directly in front of you. Place a rounded teaspoon of the feta cheese filling near this edge. Fold away from you, enclosing the cheese mixture in a triangular shape. Use a paste made of 0.25 cup flour and 0.5 cup water to moisten the final edge of the samboosa wrapper and make it stick, keeping the samboosa in its triangular shape. Place the wet side down on a lightly greased plate.
Note: If using eggroll wrappers or filo dough, cut them into rectangles before stuffing with the cheese mixture. For filo dough, use a thickness of two or three sheets. The rectangles can be cut 1.5 - 2.5 inches wide, depending on the desired size of the finished appetizer, and should be long enough to completely enclose the cheese mixture when folding.
Once all the samboosa have been rolled, fry a few at a time in a heavy skillet with one inch of vegetable oil until the outside is golden and crispy. Flip them at least once while frying to brown both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Variations

Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or mint to the cheese filling for extra flavor.
Substitute the feta cheese with a different type of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the feta cheese in cold water helps to remove excess salt, resulting in a milder flavor.

- Make sure to cool the onion and tomato mixture before adding the feta cheese to prevent it from melting.

- Use a paste made of flour and water to seal the samboosa wrappers securely and prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.

- Fry the samboosa in batches to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese Samboosa can be served hot as an appetizer with a side of tzatziki sauce or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-frying: Cheese Samboosa is traditionally deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have feta cheese, you can use a different type of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar.

- Instead of samboosa wrappers, you can use eggroll wrappers or filo pastry sheets.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cheese filling and assemble the samboosa ahead of time. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cheese Samboosa on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cheese Samboosa pairs well with a variety of dips such as tzatziki sauce, hummus, or baba ganoush.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cheese Samboosa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheese Samboosa contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheese Samboosa contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheese Samboosa contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheese Samboosa contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cheese Samboosa is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Cheese Samboosa contains dairy (feta cheese) and wheat (samboosa wrappers or filo pastry sheets).

Summary

Cheese Samboosa is a delicious appetizer that is relatively high in fats and calories due to the deep-frying process. However, it is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cheese Samboosa is a delicious and crispy appetizer that is perfect for serving at parties or as a tasty snack. Filled with a flavorful mixture of feta cheese, onions, tomatoes, and spices, these savory pastries are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Fatima in her bustling kitchen. Fatima was a talented cook who always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me. On this particular day, she had a twinkle in her eye as she pulled out a well-worn cookbook from her shelf.

"Maria, you have to try this recipe for Cheese Samboosa," Fatima exclaimed, pointing to a page filled with mouthwatering pictures of golden, crispy pastries filled with oozy cheese. I had never heard of Cheese Samboosa before, but the sight of those delicious treats had my stomach rumbling in anticipation.

Fatima explained that Cheese Samboosa was a popular Middle Eastern snack, typically served during celebrations and gatherings. The combination of melted cheese, fragrant herbs, and crispy pastry was irresistible, she assured me. I knew I had to learn how to make it.

Fatima patiently guided me through the process of making the Cheese Samboosa. We started by preparing the filling, a mixture of ricotta cheese, feta cheese, chopped parsley, and a hint of nutmeg. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen as we mixed the ingredients together was enough to make my mouth water.

Next, we tackled the pastry dough. Fatima showed me how to roll out the dough thin enough to be crispy, yet sturdy enough to hold the cheese filling. As we worked, she shared stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her how to make Cheese Samboosa when she was just a girl.

The final step was shaping the Cheese Samboosa. Fatima expertly folded the pastry dough into triangles, sealing the edges with a brush of egg wash. I tried to mimic her precise movements, but my triangles ended up looking more like lopsided squares. Fatima just laughed and assured me that they would still taste delicious.

As we placed the Cheese Samboosa in the oven to bake, the anticipation grew. The kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of melting cheese and buttery pastry. When the timer finally dinged, we eagerly pulled the golden triangles out of the oven.

The first bite of the Cheese Samboosa was pure bliss. The crispy pastry gave way to a gooey, cheesy center that was bursting with flavor. Fatima and I shared a knowing look as we savored the fruits of our labor. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Cheese Samboosa countless times, each batch reminding me of that special day in Fatima's kitchen. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own twist with different cheeses and herbs. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a delicious, comforting treat that never fails to bring a smile to my face.

I have shared the recipe for Cheese Samboosa with friends and family, passing down the tradition just as Fatima passed it down to me. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer day, surrounded by the laughter and love of dear friends. And as I take a bite of the crispy, cheesy goodness, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

So, the next time you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, I urge you to give Cheese Samboosa a try. Let the aroma of melted cheese and fragrant herbs fill your kitchen, and savor every bite of this delightful treat. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be passing down the recipe to your own grandchildren, just like I did. Happy cooking!