Sambousick
Sambousick are savory, crispy pastries filled with spiced ground meat and fresh herbs, perfect for snacks or appetizers, offering rich flavors and aromatic herbs in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a frying pan.
- Add very finely chopped onions and fry until yellow.
- Add the ground meat, stirring to break it up.
- Stir in allspice, black pepper, cumin, and salt; fry until well browned.
- Remove from heat. Mince the green onions and cilantro or parsley; stir into the meat mixture.
- Set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your sambousick filling, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or substituting ground lamb with beef for a richer taste. You can also use green bell peppers instead of green onions if preferred. Ensure the filo pastry is defrosted properly to achieve the best texture when frying. Keep the sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out while assembling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve sambousick hot as a delicious appetizer or snack alongside a refreshing yogurt sauce or tzatziki for dipping. They pair wonderfully with a light Greek soup or a side of Spanish-style couscous for a complete meal. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro or parsley for added freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sambousick in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but the texture may not be as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sambousick contains roughly 494 calories, with 30g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (61% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 627mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sambousick ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, assemble the sambousick with the filo pastry and fry or bake them as directed. This makes for a convenient option for gatherings or meal prep.
What can I use instead of filo pastry?
If you don't have filo pastry, you can use puff pastry as an alternative. Roll it out and cut it into squares or circles to fill with the meat mixture. Keep in mind that puff pastry will give a different texture but will still be delicious.
Can I freeze sambousick?
Yes, sambousick can be frozen either before or after cooking. To freeze uncooked sambousick, lay them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Cooked sambousick can also be frozen, then reheated in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).