I could start this post with the confession that these samosas have made people cry. But then I should probably explain that the people were my children, who are 2, 4, and 6, and they cry over anything they deem too spicy. Pretty much all Indian food fits the bill. I want to raise them with adventurous palates, so I keep making spicy foods, but they usually get an alternative if they really, really hate whatever it is. So I guess what I’m trying to say is that these easy Indian apps are genuinely spicy, but I happen to think that’s a good thing. They’re not drain-your-sinuses spicy, or run-to-the-bathroom-to-wash-your-mouth-out spicy (my husband actually did this when we ate Indian in London. One of us was embarrassed…), but they definitely have a kick–hence the side of sweet mango chutney you see in the picture. Oddly enough, I’ve decided to put them on my upcoming Christmas party menu. Samosas might not seem like a traditional choice for a Christmas buffet, but that’s part of their charm for me. I like the idea of the element of surprise in a party menu–good surprise, not dinosaur-popping-out-of-a-cake surprise. Nobody likes that at a Christmas party.

Even if you’re not hosting a party this holiday season, samosas make an unexpected contribution to any potluck. Maybe people will think you secretly have an Indian grandma who makes amazing Eastern cuisine from scratch (if you actually do have such a grandma, disregard this sentence…and let me borrow her). In the potluck world of cocktail meatballs, pigs in blankets, and bags of chips alongside onion dip, you can do better. These savory-spicy pockets of veggie goodness are sure to be a stand-out.

Easy Samosas
(From Real Simple)

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. curry powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 10-oz bag frozen peas, thawed
2 c. mashed potatoes (store-bought, homemade, or leftover)
1 15-oz. package refrigerated pie crusts
1 jar mango chutney (optional…but I may I suggest Trader Joe’s)

Directions:

Heat oven to 375° F. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the curry powder, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the potatoes and peas.

Unroll the piecrusts and cut each into 6-8 triangles, depending on desired size of samosas. Place a heaping tablespoon of the potato mixture in the center of each piece. Gather the corners of the dough and pinch to form a point. Pinch the seams to seal. Transfer to a baking sheet.

Bake the samosas until golden, 22 to 25 minutes. Serve with the mango chutney, if using.