The humble samosa gets a delightful twist with this sweet potato and pea filling, creating a perfect balance of savory spices and earthy sweetness. Encased in a golden, crispy wrapper, these mini samosas are bite-sized perfection—ideal for entertaining, tea-time, or just snacking on something truly satisfying.
This version of the traditional samosa offers a healthier, veggie-forward take while maintaining all the classic flavor. The sweet potatoes are spiced with traditional Indian flavors and paired with tender green peas, giving every bite a burst of warmth and comfort. They’re easy to make ahead, freeze well, and never fail to impress with their flavor and texture.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the filling:
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1 ½ cups sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed
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½ cup green peas (boiled)
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1 tbsp oil
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1 tsp cumin seeds
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1 green chili, finely chopped
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1 tsp grated ginger
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½ tsp garam masala
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½ tsp red chili powder
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½ tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
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Salt, to taste
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Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
For the samosa wrappers:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp oil
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¼ tsp salt
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Water (as needed to knead a firm dough)
For frying:
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Oil, for deep frying
Directions:
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Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and oil. Slowly add water and knead to form a firm dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
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Make the filling: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add green chili and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds.
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Add mashed sweet potatoes and peas. Mix well. Add garam masala, chili powder, amchur, salt, and chopped coriander. Cook for 2–3 minutes. Let the filling cool.
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Assemble the samosas: Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each into a thin oval, cut it in half, and form a cone shape. Stuff with filling and seal the edges with water.
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Fry the samosas: Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry samosas in batches on medium heat until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 185 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Sweet Potato Mini Samosas
Sweet Potato Mini Samosas are a modern twist on a timeless Indian classic. Traditionally, samosas are filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes, peas, and warming spices. This variation, however, replaces the standard potato with its sweeter and more nutrient-rich cousin—the sweet potato. Not only does this substitution elevate the flavor profile with a subtle natural sweetness, but it also boosts the nutritional value of the dish.
These mini samosas are perfectly crispy on the outside, thanks to a homemade dough that fries to golden perfection, while the inside offers a tender, spiced filling that bursts with flavor. They are a fantastic option for vegetarian snack lovers and a great addition to festive platters, potlucks, lunchboxes, or cozy tea-time gatherings.
The Cultural Significance of Samosas
Samosas are a beloved street food across the Indian subcontinent, known for their triangle shape and diverse fillings. They are a symbol of comfort and tradition, served at everything from street stalls to high-end Indian restaurants. The origins of samosas date back to the Middle East, where early versions of stuffed pastries made their way to India through trade routes.
In India, samosas have taken on regional identities, with variations in dough, filling, and spices. This sweet potato version pays homage to the traditional method while allowing for creative expression in the kitchen. It merges traditional Indian spices like garam masala, cumin, and amchur with the unique texture and sweetness of mashed sweet potato, resulting in a familiar yet fresh culinary experience.
Why Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are often underutilized in savory Indian cooking, but they are incredibly versatile and nutritious. They are rich in fiber, beta-carotene, and antioxidants, making them a smart choice for those who want to enjoy indulgent snacks without compromising their health goals.
The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances beautifully with the earthy spices, creating a flavor contrast that is both satisfying and addictive. In this recipe, they pair particularly well with green peas, which add a pop of color and a slight bite to the otherwise creamy texture.
Sweet potatoes also contribute to a deeper, more caramelized flavor during the cooking process. When mashed and mixed with Indian spices, they form a hearty and aromatic filling that transforms these mini samosas into an elevated comfort food.
Perfect for Entertaining
Sweet Potato Mini Samosas are ideal for serving at parties, gatherings, or as appetizers before a larger meal. Their small, bite-sized shape makes them easy to pick up and eat without utensils, and their golden color makes for an attractive addition to any serving platter.
They can be made in large batches and frozen before frying, making them a convenient option for hosts looking to prepare in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just pull them out of the freezer and fry until crispy—a great way to reduce kitchen stress when entertaining.
These samosas are also kid-friendly. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato makes them a hit with younger palates, and the small size is perfect for little hands. Plus, since they’re vegetarian, they cater to a variety of dietary preferences, making them a crowd-pleaser for mixed groups.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
These mini samosas shine when served with classic Indian chutneys. A tangy tamarind chutney adds a rich, sweet-sour depth, while a green cilantro-mint chutney brings fresh herbal notes that balance the richness of the fried pastry. You can also try them with a simple yogurt dip spiked with chaat masala for an extra tangy punch.
For a more substantial snack or light meal, pair the samosas with a fresh salad or a bowl of lentil soup. They also work wonderfully on an Indian-themed platter alongside pakoras, masala peanuts, or paneer tikka. Add a hot cup of chai, and you’ve got a comforting, satisfying experience.
Making It Your Own
One of the joys of samosas is their adaptability. You can customize the filling based on what you have in your pantry or what your taste buds are craving. While this recipe uses sweet potato and peas, feel free to add corn, carrots, or even cooked lentils for a protein boost.
For a fusion twist, consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese to the filling. If you want to go vegan, make sure to use oil in place of ghee or butter and verify that any chutneys are plant-based. You can also experiment with baked versions if you’re looking to cut down on oil, although the fried version does offer that irresistible crunch that samosa lovers know and love.
Spice levels can be adjusted easily, too. Dial up the heat with chopped green chilies or a pinch of cayenne, or tone it down for a milder version suitable for kids or those sensitive to spice.
Cooking Tips and Techniques
The key to perfect mini samosas lies in two elements: the dough and the frying. The dough must be kneaded until firm and rested adequately to develop elasticity. This helps in achieving a smooth texture that fries up to a crisp, flaky exterior. Rolling the dough thinly ensures even cooking and a pleasing crunch in every bite.
When frying, it’s essential to keep the oil at a medium heat. Too hot, and the samosas will brown too quickly on the outside without cooking the dough thoroughly inside. Too cold, and they will absorb oil and become soggy. A steady medium temperature ensures they cook evenly and come out perfectly crisp and golden.
For a neater presentation, be meticulous when sealing the edges. Use a dab of water along the seam and press firmly to avoid any filling from leaking into the oil during frying.
Nutritional Benefits
While samosas are generally considered an indulgent treat, using sweet potatoes adds nutritional value to this snack. Sweet potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which provide long-lasting energy. They are high in fiber, aiding in digestion, and rich in vitamins A and C, supporting eye health and immunity.
Pairing sweet potatoes with peas introduces plant-based protein, and the use of traditional Indian spices not only boosts flavor but also offers potential health benefits. For instance, cumin aids digestion, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and ginger is known for its soothing effects on the stomach.
When served with yogurt-based or herb-packed dips, these samosas can be part of a balanced snack or meal—especially when enjoyed in moderation.
Why These Mini Samosas Stand Out
What sets these Sweet Potato Mini Samosas apart from their more traditional cousins is their perfect blend of health and indulgence. They offer the nostalgic satisfaction of a beloved Indian snack while incorporating a trendy, health-conscious ingredient that appeals to modern food lovers.
They’re also versatile enough to appear on your menu year-round—whether during Diwali festivities, Sunday brunches, picnic baskets, or casual weeknight dinners. Their make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature means they’re always just a few minutes away from being table-ready.
Plus, their bite-sized charm makes them more elegant and approachable for events like cocktail parties, where guests appreciate food that’s easy to eat without interrupting conversation.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Mini Samosas are more than just a fun twist on a traditional snack—they’re a celebration of fusion, flavor, and thoughtful cooking. They bring together the richness of Indian spices, the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes, and the crisp satisfaction of a well-fried samosa, all in one bite-sized package.
Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned home chef looking for a fresh take on a classic, this recipe delivers both comfort and creativity. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weekend afternoon and special enough to serve on a festive occasion. However you enjoy them, these mini samosas are bound to become a staple in your snack rotation.
Their warmth, texture, and bold flavor profile make them a memorable experience—just one bite and you’ll understand why they’ve earned a spot on your table.