If you love the comforting flavors of traditional Indian samosas but want a fun, bite-sized twist, this Samosa Pinwheels Recipe is going to become your new favorite snack. These delightful pinwheels capture all the savory spices and textures of a classic samosa wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry spirals. They are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or anytime you crave something crispy and flavorful. What makes this dish so irresistible is how the soft potato and pea filling melds beautifully with aromatic spices, all enveloped in that buttery pastry that bakes to perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to bringing this Samosa Pinwheels Recipe to life. Each component plays a crucial role—from the creamy potatoes that give a soft, hearty base to the fragrant spices and crisp pastry that create an unforgettable texture and burst of flavor.
- 3 Large Potatoes (Russet or Gold): Choose starchy potatoes for the best fluffy filling texture.
- 1 Cup Water: Used to boil the potatoes just right—tender but not mushy.
- 1 Tablespoon Avocado Oil: A light oil that brings out the spices without overpowering them.
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds: Adds warm, earthy notes that are signature to samosa filling.
- ½ Teaspoon Fennel Seeds: Provide a hint of sweetness and boost the aromatic profile.
- Pinch Asafetida: A little pinch enhances savory depth and aids digestion.
- 4-5 Cloves Garlic: Minced finely for pungent, rich flavor layers.
- ½ Inch Ginger: Adds fresh zest and a slight bite to brighten the mix.
- 1-2 Thai Green Chilies: Adjust for heat level—these bring a vibrant spicy kick.
- ¾ Cup Peas: Sweet and tender, they add color and contrast to the filling.
- 1 Teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: Gives a mild heat and beautiful red hue.
- ½ Teaspoon Turmeric: For earthiness and that lovely golden color.
- 1 Teaspoon Coriander Powder: Adds citrusy, nutty flavor to balance spices.
- 1 Teaspoon Garam Masala: The ultimate Indian spice blend that rounds off the profile perfectly.
- ½ Teaspoon Chaat Masala: Gives a tangy pop and street-food flair.
- 1 Teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps everything balanced.
- 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice: Adds brightness and freshens the filling.
- 1 Tablespoon Cilantro, Finely Chopped: Fresh herbaceous notes that lighten the filling.
- 2 Sheets Puff Pastry (17.3oz pack, thawed): The glorious flaky dough that wraps around the filling beautifully.
- 3 Tablespoon All Purpose Flour: For dusting and helping to seal the pastry edges.
- 2 Tablespoon Water: Used as a wash to help the pastry stick and seal tightly.
How to Make Samosa Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Boil and Prepare Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling your potatoes, then cut them into chunks and boil in one cup of water until just tender. You want the potatoes to be soft enough to mash but still hold some texture to avoid a mushy filling that won’t hold shape well in the pinwheels.
Step 2: Sauté the Spices
Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat, add cumin and fennel seeds along with a pinch of asafetida, letting them sizzle to release their aroma. Then toss in minced garlic, ginger, and chopped green chilies. Cook until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning, which forms the flavorful base of your filling.
Step 3: Add Peas and Spices to Filling
Next, add peas along with the vibrant spices—Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, coriander, garam masala, and chaat masala. Stir well to coat the peas evenly and cook for a couple of minutes until the peas are soft but still bright green.
Step 4: Combine Potatoes and Spice Mixture
Mash the boiled potatoes roughly and add them to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly so the potatoes absorb all the spices. Season with salt and finish by stirring in lime juice and chopped cilantro. This filling should be aromatic, flavorful, and have a pleasant balance of spice and brightness.
Step 5: Prepare Puff Pastry and Assemble
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out each sheet of puff pastry to smooth creases. Spread half the filling evenly over one pastry sheet. Carefully roll it up tightly into a log shape, sealing the edge with a water and flour wash. Repeat with the second sheet and remaining filling.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Cut each log into ¾-inch thick pinwheels and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with water wash to help them brown nicely. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and puffed. The result is irresistibly crispy, spiced bite-sized pinwheels.
How to Serve Samosa Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, garnish your Samosa Pinwheels Recipe with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of chaat masala. A drizzle of tangy tamarind chutney or cooling mint yogurt dip on the side will brighten up every bite spectacularly.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels are fabulous on their own but can also be paired with fresh salads, a bowl of spiced lentil soup, or even a light cucumber raita. The perfect accompaniments bring balance by cooling the spices or adding fresh textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the pinwheels on a wooden platter with small bowls of mango chutney and green chutney for dipping. You can also stack them creatively to form a spiral tower that impresses guests visually. They work wonderfully as finger foods for brunch or festive gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Samosa Pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them crisp by avoiding any moisture buildup—placing a paper towel beneath the pinwheels inside the container can help absorb excess humidity.
Freezing
You can freeze the pinwheels prior to baking. After assembling and slicing, lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them into a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat pinwheels in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peas in the Samosa Pinwheels Recipe?
Absolutely, frozen peas work perfectly here. Just thaw them slightly or add them directly while cooking—the key is not to overcook so they retain their slight sweetness and texture.
Is puff pastry the only dough option for these pinwheels?
Puff pastry creates the signature flaky bite, but you can experiment with phyllo dough or even biscuit dough for different textures. Just remember puff pastry’s buttery layers elevate the overall flavor wonderfully.
How spicy are these pinwheels?
The spice level is adjustable. The green chilies and Kashmiri chili powder provide mild to moderate heat, but you can remove seeds or lessen amounts to suit your taste or that of your guests.
Can I make these vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, and vegan when you choose a plant-based puff pastry. Double-check ingredients if buying pre-made pastry to be sure no dairy or egg is included.
What’s the best way to serve Samosa Pinwheels at a party?
Serve warm with an assortment of chutneys, dips, and a fresh salad. These bite-sized treats make perfect finger foods that invite guests to nibble and enjoy mingling without needing utensils.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about assembling and biting into homemade Samosa Pinwheels Recipe—the blend of spices, the flaky pastry, and the colorful filling just makes you want to keep coming back for more. I hope you give this recipe a try soon; it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and fun to any table!
PrintSamosa Pinwheels Recipe
Samosa Pinwheels are a delightful twist on traditional samosas, using puff pastry to create easy-to-make, flaky, and flavorful snack pinwheels filled with a spiced potato and pea filling. These make for a perfect appetizer or party treat, combining the deliciousness of classic samosa spices with the convenience of puff pastry.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
To Boil The Potatoes
- 1 cup water
- 3 large potatoes (Russet or Gold)
To Make Samosa Filling
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
- Pinch asafetida
- 4–5 cloves garlic
- ½ inch ginger
- 1–2 Thai green chilies
- ¾ cup peas
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
Puff Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry (1 pack, 17.3 oz, thawed)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes. Place them in a pot with 1 cup water and boil until tender. Drain and mash the potatoes smoothly using a fork or masher.
- Prepare Spice Mixture: Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and a pinch of asafetida. Sauté until the seeds start to crackle and become fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Chilies: Finely chop or mince garlic, ginger, and Thai green chilies. Add them to the pan and sauté until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Cook Peas: Add peas to the pan and cook until they are tender.
- Add Spices: Stir in Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, chaat masala, and salt. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Combine Potatoes and Lime: Add the mashed potatoes into the pan with the cooked spices and peas. Mix well so the mixture is evenly combined. Stir in lime juice and finely chopped cilantro. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Sprinkle the surface with all-purpose flour. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets lightly to smooth any creases.
- Fill and Roll: Spread the samosa potato filling evenly over one sheet of the puff pastry. Cover with the second sheet of puff pastry. Press edges gently to seal and prevent filling from spilling out.
- Cut Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, cut the layered pastry into 1 to 1.5-inch wide strips. Then slice strips into pinwheel shapes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pinwheels on a lined baking tray, spacing them apart. Mix 2 tablespoons water with 3 tablespoons flour to make a wash, then brush it lightly on top of the pinwheels for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let them cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy as an appetizer or snack with chutney or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are fully cooled before mixing with puff pastry to prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh green chilies for authentic heat but adjust quantity to taste.
- Thaw puff pastry sheets completely before rolling to avoid cracking.
- Brush the top of the pinwheels with flour-water wash for a shiny, golden crust.
- Samosa Pinwheels are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness.