Spiced Samosa Patties are a delicious and easy twist on the classic samosa, featuring a crispy, pan-fried exterior and a warmly spiced potato and pea filling—all without the pastry! These gluten-free, vegan patties are packed with bold flavors and a perfect balance of crispy and soft textures.
I first made these when I was craving samosas but wanted something quicker and without the hassle of rolling dough. The combination of mashed potatoes, aromatic spices, and a crisp golden crust made them an instant favorite. What I love most about this recipe is how simple and satisfying it is—you get all the samosa flavors in a fuss-free patty!
What’s great about Spiced Samosa Patties is their versatility. You can bake or air-fry them for a lighter option, add chickpeas for extra protein, or spice them up with chili flakes. Serve them with chutney, dairy-free yogurt, or a tangy tamarind sauce for a delicious snack, appetizer, or side dish that everyone will love!
Perfect for:
- Tea-time snacks
- Party appetizers
- Healthy meal prep
- Gluten-free and vegan diets
- Fans of Indian-inspired flavors
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Spiced Samosa Patties will become your new favorite snack:
- Crispy Yet Healthy: Pan-fried instead of deep-fried for a satisfying crunch.
- Bold Indian Flavors: A perfect balance of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
- Gluten-Free and Vegan: Made with chickpea flour, ensuring they fit various dietary needs.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a quick recipe.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- No Deep-Frying Required: A lighter alternative to traditional samosas.
- Perfectly Portable: Great for lunchboxes, picnics, or on-the-go snacking.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A hit with both kids and adults at gatherings.
- Pairs Well with Dips: Enjoy with chutneys, yogurt dips, or even hummus.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 patties
- Calories per serving: Approximately 120 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 4g
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- ½ cup green peas, boiled
- ½ cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons oil for pan-frying
For Serving (Optional):
- Tamarind chutney
- Mint-coriander chutney
- Dairy-free yogurt dip
Ingredient Highlights
- Chickpea Flour: Adds binding power while keeping the recipe gluten-free.
- Cumin Seeds: Provide a deep, earthy flavor.
- Garam Masala: A blend of warming spices that enhances the samosa taste.
- Green Peas: Add a touch of sweetness and texture contrast.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavors for a well-rounded taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Patties:
- Cook the Aromatics: Heat a pan over medium heat and dry-toast cumin seeds until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until softened.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, green peas, sautéed onion mixture, and all the spices. Stir in the chickpea flour, lemon juice, and chopped cilantro. Mix well to form a dough-like consistency.
- Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape them into round or oval patties.
Cook the Patties:
- Heat the Pan: Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Pan-Fry the Patties: Cook in batches, frying each patty for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Add more oil as needed between batches.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot with tamarind chutney, mint-coriander chutney, or dairy-free yogurt dip.
How to Serve
Here are 10 ways to enjoy these Spiced Samosa Patties:
- As a Classic Snack: Pair with chutney for a traditional experience.
- With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- In a Wrap: Stuff into a gluten-free tortilla with greens and yogurt sauce.
- As a Burger Patty: Use in a burger bun with vegan mayo and lettuce.
- With Chai: Enjoy with a warm cup of masala chai for a cozy treat.
- Topped with Yogurt: Drizzle dairy-free yogurt over patties for extra creaminess.
- As Part of a Platter: Serve with other Indian-inspired small bites.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, cauliflower, or bell peppers.
- As an Appetizer: Offer at parties with various dipping sauces.
- With Rice and Dal: Serve as a flavorful side to an Indian meal.
Additional Tips
- Perfect Potato Texture – For the best consistency, mash the potatoes while they’re still warm but leave some small chunks for a satisfying bite.
- Chill for Firmness – Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes before shaping to help the patties hold together better during cooking.
- Even Crispiness – Use a non-stick pan and cook over medium heat to ensure a golden, crispy crust without burning.
- Gluten-Free Breading – If you want an extra crunch, coat the patties in chickpea flour or crushed gluten-free crackers before pan-frying.
- Oil Matters – Opt for a high-heat oil like avocado or coconut oil for frying, as it prevents sticking and enhances flavor.
- Spice It Your Way – Adjust the spice level by adding extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if you like heat, or keep it mild with just garam masala.
- Fresh Herbs for a Boost – Mix in fresh cilantro or mint for a pop of freshness that balances the warm spices.
- Air Fryer Friendly – For a lower-oil option, air fry the patties at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Dipping Sauces – Serve with tamarind chutney, mint yogurt sauce (vegan yogurt + mint + lemon), or a simple spiced ketchup for extra flavor.
- Storage & Reheating – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best results.
Recipe Variations
- Sweet Potato Twist – Swap the regular potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes for a hint of natural sweetness and extra creaminess.
- Lentil Power – Add cooked red lentils to the mixture for a protein boost and a slightly firmer texture.
- Herb Infusion – Mix in fresh cilantro, mint, and green onions for a refreshing herbal kick.
- Nutty Crunch – Fold in chopped cashews or almonds for added crunch and depth of flavor.
- Spicy Chili Kick – Increase the heat by adding finely chopped green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Tangy Tamarind – Stir in a spoonful of tamarind paste for a subtle tangy contrast to the spices.
- Crispy Quinoa Coating – Roll the patties in cooked quinoa before pan-frying for a crispy, protein-rich crust.
- Green Pea Boost – Mix in mashed green peas for a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Coconut Flair – Add shredded coconut and a pinch of garam masala for a tropical-inspired variation.
- Stuffed Surprise – Fill each patty with a small spoonful of spiced mashed chickpeas or chutney for a delightful burst of flavor.
Special Equipment
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients easily.
- Non-Stick Pan or Cast Iron Skillet: Ensures even browning with minimal oil.
- Spatula: For flipping patties without breaking them.
- Measuring Spoons: To ensure precise spice amounts.
- Potato Masher: Helps create a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Food Processor (Optional): Speeds up chopping onions and herbs.
FAQ Section
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture in advance and store in the fridge for up to 2 days before shaping and cooking. - Can I freeze these patties?
Absolutely! Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container. Reheat in a pan or oven before serving. - What’s the best oil to use for frying?
Use neutral oils like avocado oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil. - How do I keep the patties from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture isn’t too wet and that the chickpea flour binds everything well. - Can I use all-purpose flour instead of chickpea flour?
Yes, but it won’t be gluten-free anymore. - Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. - Are these kid-friendly?
Yes! Just reduce the spice level for younger kids. - Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, just thaw them before mixing in. - What’s the best way to reheat them?
Pan-fry or bake at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up again. - Can I use different vegetables?
Yes! Carrots, spinach, or bell peppers work well.
Conclusion
Spiced Samosa Patties are a gluten-free, vegan twist on the classic samosa, packed with bold flavors and a crispy golden crust! These delicious patties feature a spiced potato and pea filling infused with aromatic cumin, coriander, and garam masala, all pan-fried to perfection.
Customize them by adding lentils for extra protein, a touch of chili for heat, or a squeeze of lemon for a zesty kick. Serve them with tangy tamarind chutney, cooling mint yogurt sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible snack or appetizer!
I can’t wait to see how your Spiced Samosa Patties turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!