Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• Water: 250 ml
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Flour: 550 g
• Butter: 150 g (unsalted, melted)
• Egg: 1 (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

• Tomato: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Salt: to taste
• Pepper: to taste
• Butter: 1/2 teaspoon (to be added to each samosa)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
2. Add Butter:
   Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly. Pour the melted butter into the flour mixture and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water:
   Gradually add the water to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough begins to form. You may not need all the water, so add it slowly until the dough comes together.
4. Knead the Dough:
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period will allow the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the Filling Ingredients:
   In a bowl, combine the chopped tomato, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside. If you want to add minced meat, finely chop it and mix it with the tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Samsa

1. Roll Out the Dough:
   Once the dough has rested, divide it into equal portions (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each portion out on a floured surface into a thin circle (approximately 3-4 mm thick).
2. Add Filling:
   Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of each rolled-out dough circle. If using meat, add a small piece of butter on top of the filling for extra flavor and moisture.
3. Shape the Samsa:
   Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the samosa, then crimp the edges using your fingers or a fork to ensure they are well sealed. This will prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Samsa

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Prepare for Baking:
   Place the assembled samsas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the top of each samosa for a beautiful golden finish.
3. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the samsas are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve

1. Cool and Enjoy:
   Once baked, remove the samsas from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and enjoy these delicious pastries with your favorite dipping sauce or yogurt.

Cooking Tips:

• Customize the Filling: Feel free to customize the filling with your choice of meat, potatoes, or other vegetables. Lamb, beef, or chicken works great in this recipe.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance and assemble the samsas when you’re ready to bake. They also freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your samsas with a side of yogurt, fresh herbs, or a simple salad to balance out the rich flavors.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover samsas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked samsas. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Facts (per samosa, based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use store-bought dough?
   Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry if you’re short on time, but homemade dough yields the best texture and flavor.
2. What is Utsho suneli?
   Utsho suneli is a spice blend commonly used in Uzbek cuisine, made from various dried herbs. You can substitute it with a blend of your favorite herbs.
3. How do I know when the samsas are done?
   They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can tap the bottom; if it sounds hollow, they are likely done.
4. What can I serve with samsa?
   Samsa pairs well with fresh salads, yogurt dips, or even a spicy tomato sauce.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
   Absolutely! You can replace the meat filling with a mix of potatoes, lentils, and spices for a delicious vegetarian option.

Conclusion:

Uzbek samsa is a delightful pastry that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. With a flaky crust and a variety of savory fillings, it’s perfect for gatherings or as a satisfying snack. This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet versatile enough for experienced cooks to experiment with different fillings. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat with family and friends, and bring a taste of Uzbekistan into your home!