Sambossa Ethiopian Appetizer
Crispy, golden, and bursting with bold Ethiopian flavors, Sambossa is the ultimate appetizer to elevate your meal. These triangular delights are filled with a savory mixture of spiced ground beef or tender lentils, infused with the earthy warmth of berbere seasoning, garlic, and ginger. Wrapped in delicate pastry sheets and fried to perfection, each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a flavorful explosion. Perfect for meat lovers and vegetarians alike, this versatile snack can be customized to suit any palate. Serve them warm with a zesty dipping sauce or cooling yogurt for an irresistible starter that's sure to impress. Whether you're hosting an Ethiopian-inspired dinner or simply craving a unique appetizer, Sambossa is a must-try! Keywords: Ethiopian sambossa, sambossa recipe, Ethiopian appetizer, fried snacks, vegetarian sambossa.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 g Ground beef (or cooked lentils for vegetarian option)
- 1 medium-sized Onion, finely chopped
- 200 g Red lentils (if making vegetarian option)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Ginger, grated
- 2 tsp Berbere spice mix
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 10 sheets Spring roll wrappers (or homemade pastry sheets)
- 1 tbsp Water (for sealing wrappers)
- 500 ml Oil for frying
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
If using ground beef, add it to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. If using lentils, cook them separately in a pot of water until tender (about 15 minutes), then drain and set aside.
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, berbere spice mix, ground cumin, and ground coriander to the onion mixture. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices.
If using lentils, stir them into the spiced onion mixture. If using beef, ensure it is thoroughly coated in spices. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool completely.
Cut the spring roll wrappers into strips about 3 inches wide. Keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
Place a small amount of the filling (about 1 tablespoon) at one end of the wrapper. Fold one corner over the filling to form a triangle, then continue folding in a triangular shape until the wrapper is fully sealed. Use a dab of water to seal the final edge.
Heat 500 ml of oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of wrapper—it should sizzle immediately.
Fry the sambossas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Remove the sambossas with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve warm with a side of tangy dipping sauce or yogurt for a delicious appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6544 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 586.9 g | 752% | |
| Saturated Fat | 95.9 g | 480% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 200 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 3076 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 265.5 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.6 g | 113% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g | ||
| Protein | 110.6 g | 221% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 224 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 27.6 mg | 153% | |
| Potassium | 2996 mg | 64% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
