What is a sambusa?

Sambusas are small triangular pastries popular throughout many regions, including North Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia. Sambusas are commonly stuffed with meat, potatoes or cheese.

While a sambusa can be stuffed with just about anything, different countries favor different types of stuffing. Somali sambusa is usually stuffed with lamb, while Yemeni people prefer to use beef or potatoes. A popular recipe for Ethiopian sambusa calls for a lentil stuffing.

Sambusas are often served with a dipping sauce and are traditionally eaten at nightfall during Ramadan in Islamic nations.

The Indian version of sambusa is called a samosa and can be stuffed with anything from peas and lentils to spiced potatoes.