Doing the Indian thing: eating Samosas!

When in Rome, do like Romans. And when in India, eat samosas!

Samosas are, quite probably, one of the most popular Indian snacks known all over the world.

Mrs. Baruah asking Mr. Samosa to fry some fresh ones for us!

Although eaten all year long, they are particularly comforting on winter days: the caloric overload of a couple of samosas along with a hot cup of chai make a lovely combination to keep you warm and energized to beat the cold.

Samosas consist of fried savory pastry pockets that are most typically filled with a vegetable mix of mashed potatoes, green peas, onions, lentils and a special blend of spices and herbs. Non vegetarian options with chicken or lamb are also available. Funny enough, when you order samosas where I was born (Portugal),  they tend to include minced beef, but I don’t think I’ll be coming across these kind of samosa here in India any time soon!

Samosa making step #1: make the dough

'Cause inner beauty is important: prepare a tasty, spicy filling.

Shape the dough, stuff it nicely, fold it and fry!

Although oily on their own, samosas in India are not meant to be eaten dry. Dipping the goodies in tamarind or mint chutney is part of the ritual of eating a samosa – and I can tell you that the moist and sweet flavor of the chutney does add a great twist.

Tamarind and mint chutney to go

Roaming the markets in India, you are very likely to come across stalls selling samosas. This is one of those street foods that, when in the vegetarian form, I’d probably eat in most places. Not including meat and being deep fried on the spot at high temperatures, you’re good to go!

Also, watching the street vendors preparing the samosas from scratch is a treat… a treat to be enjoyed at an extremely reasonable price. These samosas costed us 7 rupees ( 0.13 USD) each in Gopinath Bazar in Delhi; Ashray’s Mom has been this man’s client for like 20 years – that’s some samosa devotion! In other places they can cost as little as 3 rupees (0.05 USD), always including the chutneys to eat on the spot or take away in little plastic bags.

Great samosas and a friendly smile: what else could we ask for to warm up our Delhi winter days?

What does one even get in most parts of the world these days for 5 cents?!

India: I love you.

Samosas: I love you too!