Samboseh (سمبوسه) is a popular Iranian street food. A flatbread is filled with a potato mixture, spices, and sometimes vegetables or lentils. It is then folded into a triangular shape and fried until golden.
Samboseh originally comes from the Persian Gulf and the southern regions of Iran, where the influence of Arabic and Indian cuisine is very noticeable. Samboseh is the Iranian version of the better-known Indian samosa. This dish likely arrived in Iran through trade routes.
Samboseh is made from thin flatbread, which is filled with various fillings. The most common filling includes:
- potatoes (boiled and diced or mashed)
- onions
- garlic
- fresh coriander and parsley
- spices (turmeric, cumin, chili, pepper)
- minced meat (beef or lamb; however, samboseh is often prepared as a vegetarian dish without meat)
The flatbread is filled with the mixture and carefully wrapped. Samboseh is then fried in oil until golden.
Finished samboseh is traditionally served hot, immediately after frying. It is often served with sauces. Samboseh represents authentic Iranian street food, its preparation is quick, it is inexpensive, and it is filling.
I happily enjoyed samboseh after returning from a full-day trip to the beautiful Iranian village of Abyaneh.
Samboseh fulfilled exactly what I expected: the vegetarian filling was perfectly seasoned and slightly spicy, the dough was crispy, the dish was prepared quickly, and it was very cheap. One large samboseh cost me 200,000 IRR (0.25 EUR) in Esfahan. It just could have had a bit less oil 😇
Bon appétit!
