Saudi Samboosak

Crispy, golden, and packed with bold flavors, Saudi Samboosak is a delightful Middle Eastern appetizer that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Saudi Arabia. These savory crescent-shaped pastries feature a perfectly spiced filling of ground beef or lamb, aromatic onions, garlic, fresh parsley, and a warm blend of cumin and coriander, all wrapped in a tender homemade dough. Fried to perfection, each bite offers an irresistible crunch followed by a burst of rich, meaty goodness. Ideal for Ramadan feasts, family gatherings, or as an indulgent snack, these samboosak are best served warm with your favorite dipping sauces like tahini or yogurt-based dressings. Easy to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of traditional Saudi cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:60 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup Vegetable oil
• 0.5 cup Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 250 grams Ground beef or lamb
• 1 small Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually mix in 0.25 cup of vegetable oil, rubbing it into the flour to form a crumb-like texture.

Step 2

Slowly add 0.5 cup of water while kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 3

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until completely browned, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool completely.

Step 6

Divide the dough into small equal-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball into a thin, round sheet using a rolling pin, approximately 6 inches in diameter.

Step 7

Place a tablespoon of the cooled meat filling in the center of each sheet. Fold the dough over the filling into a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal.

Step 8

In a deep frying pan, heat 3 cups of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 9

Carefully fry the samboosak in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.

Step 10

Remove the samboosak with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with the remaining samboosak.

Step 11

Serve the samboosak warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tahini or yogurt-based dips.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1525.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8103.9

Total Fat 815.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 129.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.6g
Cholesterol 200mg	0%
Sodium 3777.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 198.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.2g	0%
Total Sugars 4.6g
Protein 71.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 290.0mg	0%
Iron 24.0mg	0%
Potassium 1693.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 87.2%

Protein: 3.4%

Carbs: 9.4%