Crispy, golden, and packed with bold flavors, Saudi Samboosak is a delightful Middle Eastern appetizer that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Saudi Arabia. These savory crescent-shaped pastries feature a perfectly spiced filling of ground beef or lamb, aromatic onions, garlic, fresh parsley, and a warm blend of cumin and coriander, all wrapped in a tender homemade dough. Fried to perfection, each bite offers an irresistible crunch followed by a burst of rich, meaty goodness. Ideal for Ramadan feasts, family gatherings, or as an indulgent snack, these samboosak are best served warm with your favorite dipping sauces like tahini or yogurt-based dressings. Easy to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of traditional Saudi cuisine.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix in 0.25 cup of vegetable oil, rubbing it into the flour to form a crumb-like texture.
Slowly add 0.5 cup of water while kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until completely browned, about 7-10 minutes.
Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool completely.
Divide the dough into small equal-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball into a thin, round sheet using a rolling pin, approximately 6 inches in diameter.
Place a tablespoon of the cooled meat filling in the center of each sheet. Fold the dough over the filling into a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal.
In a deep frying pan, heat 3 cups of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Carefully fry the samboosak in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
Remove the samboosak with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining samboosak.
Serve the samboosak warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tahini or yogurt-based dips.
Calories |
8104 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 815.5 g | 1046% | |
| Saturated Fat | 129.4 g | 647% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 33.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 200 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 3777 mg | 164% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 198.4 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.2 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 71.2 g | 142% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 290 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 24.0 mg | 133% | |
| Potassium | 1693 mg | 36% | |
*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.