Crispy Butternut Squash Samsa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These crispy butternut squash samsas are an irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for any occasion. The crispy outer pastry contrasts beautifully with the tender, spiced squash filling, making every bite a delightful experience. They’re simple to prepare, versatile, and ideal for vegetarian diets. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or a side dish, these golden parcels will surely impress.

Ingredients

• 2 cups butternut squash (peeled, finely diced)

• 1 small onion (finely chopped)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

• Store-bought puff pastry or homemade dough

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

3. Add finely diced butternut squash, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and salt. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the squash is tender. Stir in chopped cilantro or parsley, then remove from heat and let cool.

4. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares or circles, depending on your preferred samsa shape.

5. Spoon a small amount of the squash mixture into the center of each piece of pastry.

6. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle or parcel, pinching the edges to seal tightly.

7. Place the samsas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.

8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

9. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with more cilantro or parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 samsas.

• Preparation time: 25 minutes

• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes

• Cooling time: 5 minutes

• Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

• Add crumbled feta or goat cheese to the filling for extra richness.

• Include sautéed spinach or kale with the squash.

• Swap sweet potato for butternut squash for a slightly different flavor.

• Serve with a yogurt dip or chutney for added flavor.

• Experiment with other spices like garam masala or curry powder for a deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Store cooled samsas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

• You can freeze samsas before or after baking. If baking from frozen, adjust the cooking time by adding a few extra minutes.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked squash?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked squash. Just dice it and sauté lightly to combine with the other filling ingredients.

What dough is best for samsa?

Puff pastry provides a light and crispy texture. You can also use traditional homemade dough for a chewier crust.

Do I need to cook the filling first?

Yes, cooking the filling ensures that the squash is tender and properly seasoned before baking.

Can I bake without egg wash?

Yes, but the crust will not be as shiny. You can use milk or cream as an alternative to egg wash.

Are these spicy?

They have a mild heat from chili flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.

Can I deep fry samsas instead?

Yes, you can deep fry them, but baking keeps them lighter and less greasy.

Are they vegan?

To make these vegan, use vegan puff pastry and skip the egg wash or substitute with plant-based milk.

Can I make mini versions?

Yes, you can make smaller versions of samsas. Just reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes.

Can I prep them ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the samsas and refrigerate them for up to 1 day before baking.

What can I serve with samsas?

These samsas pair wonderfully with a yogurt sauce, chutney, or a light salad.

Conclusion

Crispy Butternut Squash Samsa offers a delicious and savory twist on a classic pastry, perfect for snacking or as a unique appetizer. With its crisp exterior and flavorful filling, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe that brings bold flavors and delightful textures to your table.

Crispy Butternut Squash Samsa

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: About 12 samsas
• Category: Snack, Appetizer, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Central Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy Butternut Squash Samsa is a flavorful pastry filled with a spiced butternut squash mixture. Inspired by Central Asian street food, these flaky, golden parcels are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or side dishes. The combination of tender squash, aromatic spices, and crispy pastry will make this vegetarian recipe a crowd favorite. Simple to prepare and versatile, these crispy parcels are sure to impress at any gathering.

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Ingredients

2 cups butternut squash (peeled, finely diced)

1 small onion (finely chopped)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Store-bought puff pastry or homemade dough

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

• Add finely diced butternut squash, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and salt. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the squash is tender. Stir in chopped cilantro or parsley, then remove from heat and let cool.

• Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares or circles, depending on your preferred samsa shape.

• Spoon a small amount of the squash mixture into the center of each piece of pastry.

• Fold the pastry over to form a triangle or parcel, pinching the edges to seal tightly.

• Place the samsas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

• Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with more cilantro or parsley if desired.

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Notes

Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra richness.

Include sautéed spinach or kale with the squash for more veggies.

Sweet potato can be used as a substitute for butternut squash for a different flavor.

Serve with a yogurt dip or chutney for extra flavor.