Photo credits: Internet
Samosa, as we know it, is a popular snack in India. They are prepared using wheat or maida flour with fillings (veg or non-veg) and served with chutney made with mint, tamarind, and coriander. They vary in size and shape depending on where they are from (cones or half-moons but usually are triangular in shape). Just as with their size and shape, their ingredients and spices vary by region (peas, potatoes, cheese, onions, minced meat, beef, lamb, green chiles, ginger, and spices).
According to Historians, Samosa's origin is dated back to 10th century in the Iranian Plateau in the Middle East. The first official mention of samosa was found in Iranian historian Abolfazl Beyhaqi’s work Tarikh-e Beyhaghi, where it was referred to as ‘Sambosa’.
From there they made their way into India through Libya, Egypt, and Central Asia! That was sometime in the 13th or 14th century during the Delhi Sultanate rule. The first mention of samosa in the royal era began when noted poet and scholar of the Delhi Sultanate, Amir Khusro spoke of samosa prepared from meat, ghee, and onion that nobles relished during that time.
Later, in 14th-century traveller, Ibn Battuta, mentioned about sambusak (aka samosa) made with minced meat, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and spices being served as part of a royal meal in the court of Muhammad bin Tughluq. Even in the Mughal dynasty, Ain-i-Akbari, has mentioned the recipe of samosa known as ‘Sanbúsah’.
From then to now, the versions have only increased and each one special! For example, in Portugal, Brazil, and Mozambique region, samosa is known as ‘pastéis’. While in the Arab countries, they call it ‘Sambusak’ stuffed with minced meat or chicken, onions, spinach and feta cheese. In Israel samosas are stuffed with mashed chickpeas and in Maldives, they stuff it with a filling of tuna or fish mixed with onions.
All these names come from the Persian word Sanbosag, which means "triangle pastry."
From Asia, the popularity has spread world wide gaining a dedicated day for itself! Since 2016 September 5 is celebrated as World Samosa Day!
There's even a Guinness World Record in 2017 for the absolute largest Samosa in the world, weighing 153 kg, made in a London mosque as a way to bring awareness to a charity! Way to go on World Samosa Day!
Samosas and Jalebis are much sought after dish in many parts of India!
Oh, all the talk on Samosas has made my stomach growl with hunger or perhaps craving! I am going to do pet puja!
C U later... Till then, Stay safe and Stay healthy! 🙏
07.09.2021
