🥟 Oven Baked Vegetarian Samosas – A Healthy Twist on a Classic Indian Snack

Crispy, golden, and packed with flavorful vegetables and spices, vegetarian samosas are a beloved snack across the globe. But what if you could enjoy them guilt-free—without deep frying? Enter the oven-baked vegetarian samosa: a healthier, lighter version that retains all the deliciousness of the original.

Whether you're planning a party, prepping snacks for tea-time, or just craving something savory and spicy, this baked samosa recipe will be your go-to. Perfectly crisp on the outside and irresistibly spiced on the inside, these samosas will win hearts—without the extra oil.

🛒 Ingredients for Oven Baked Vegetarian Samosas

Here's everything you need to make around 12 medium-sized samosas.

For the Samosa Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
4 tbsp oil or ghee
½ tsp salt
½ tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
½ cup cold water (adjust as needed)

For the Filling:

2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 green chilies, minced
1-inch ginger, grated
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp turmeric powder
½ tsp red chili powder
1 tsp coriander powder
Salt to taste
1 tbsp oil
Fresh coriander leaves (optional)

🥣 Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, carom seeds, and salt.
Add oil or ghee and rub into the flour using your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
Slowly add cold water and knead into a stiff, non-sticky dough.
Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

📝 Pro Tip: A tight dough ensures a crispier samosa. Don’t over-knead—it should be firm but pliable.

Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Vegetable Filling

Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
Add ginger and green chilies; sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.
Add green peas and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Mix in the mashed potatoes and salt. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Add chopped coriander leaves (optional) and mix well.
Let the filling cool completely.

📝 Pro Tip: Slightly mashing the peas enhances the texture and helps bind the filling better.

Step 3: Shape the Samosas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Divide the dough into 6 equal balls. Roll each into an oval about 6 inches long.
Cut the oval in half to form two semi-circles.
Take one semi-circle and form a cone by sealing the straight edge with water.
Fill the cone with 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the potato-pea mixture.
Wet the open edge and press to seal, forming a triangular shape.
Repeat for all samosas.

📝 Pro Tip: Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Samosas

Place the samosas on the baking tray, leaving space between them.
Brush each samosa lightly with oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.

📝 Air Fryer Option: Cook at 350°F (180°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

🧂 Dips & Sauces to Serve With Baked Samosas

Elevate your samosa experience with traditional Indian condiments:

Tamarind Chutney – sweet and tangy
Mint-Coriander Chutney – spicy and herby
Mango Chutney – a sweet tropical twist
Yogurt Raita – cooling and creamy

🥗 Make it a Meal: Samosa Chaat!

Want to turn your samosa into a full-blown meal? Try samosa chaat:

Crush a baked samosa onto a plate.
Top with chickpeas, chopped onions, yogurt, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and sev.
Sprinkle chaat masala and fresh coriander.

Boom! A complete, protein-packed street-food-style dish—baked, not fried!

🧠 Nutritional Benefits

These oven-baked vegetarian samosas are:

✅ Lower in fat than deep-fried ones
✅ Rich in fiber and complex carbs from potatoes and peas
✅ Full of flavor without extra calories
✅ A great choice for weight-watchers and heart-healthy diets

One medium baked samosa has about 150-180 calories, depending on the filling and size.

🥦 Add Your Twist: Filling Variations

Make your samosas suit your style or leftovers:

1. Paneer & Spinach Samosa

Add crumbled paneer and sautéed spinach to the potato mixture.

2. Sweet Potato & Black Bean

A protein-rich twist with Mexican flair!

3. Mushroom & Corn

Umami flavor that pairs great with cheese.

4. Cabbage & Carrot

Great way to use up fridge veggies—light and crunchy.

🧊 How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

Cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze uncooked samosas for up to 1 month.

Reheating:

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes.
Avoid the microwave—it softens the crust.

🌍 Hosting Tip: Samosa Party Platter

Perfect for gatherings and potlucks:

Offer 3-4 different fillings.
Create a dipping station with various chutneys.
Use small flags or toothpicks to label each variety.
Serve with masala chai or a mango lassi.

📋 Quick Recap – Oven Baked Samosas

Step	Time	Notes
Dough Prep	10 mins	Rest for 30 mins
Filling	15 mins	Let it cool before filling
Assembly	20 mins	Seal tightly
Baking	30-35 mins	Flip halfway for even baking

🌿 Vegan-Friendly Option

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure the oil or ghee you use is plant-based, and you're good to go.

📦 Great for Meal Prep

Make a big batch.
Freeze half before baking.
Bake when needed—fresh and fast!

👩‍🍳 Expert Tips for the Perfect Samosas

Use cold water for dough to keep it flaky.
Roll evenly—too thin and they’ll break, too thick and they won’t crisp.
Do not overstuff or underfill.
Always preheat the oven fully before baking.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy texture without the deep frying
Delicious Indian flavors
Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved
Kid-friendly snack or lunchbox item
Great for festivals, Ramadan, Diwali, or just a weekend craving!