Rainbow Colored Samosa
Rainbow Colored Samosa is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving.
Prep: 1 hr 5 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 1 hr 32 min
Cost: $3.57 total, $0.89 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (divided equally for three colored doughs, sifted)
- 1 cup Beetroot (cooked and pureed)
- 1 cup Spinach (blanched, drained and pureed)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (mixed with water to form a yellow paste)
- 0.25 cup Water (for turmeric dough)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (for all doughs)
- 2 medium Boiled Potatoes (peeled and mashed)
- 1 teaspoon Roasted Cumin Seeds (lightly toasted)
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Chili Powder (adjust to heat preference)
- 0.5 teaspoon Garam Masala
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for frying) (medium‑high heat, 350°F)
- 2 tablespoons Oil (for dough) (optional, for softer dough)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped, optional garnish)
Instructions
Puree Spinach
Wash the spinach, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, drain, cool, then blend until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Puree Beetroot
Peel cooked beetroot, cut into chunks and blend to a smooth puree.
Time: PT5M
Make Turmeric Paste
Mix 1 tsp turmeric powder with 2 tbsp water to form a smooth yellow paste.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Beetroot Dough
In a bowl combine 1 cup flour, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp oil, and the beetroot puree. Add water as needed to form a soft, non‑sticky dough.
Time: PT4M
Prepare Spinach Dough
Repeat with another cup of flour, salt, oil and the spinach puree to make a green dough.
Time: PT4M
Prepare Turmeric Dough
Combine the remaining cup of flour, salt, oil and the turmeric paste; knead into a smooth yellow dough.
Time: PT4M
Rest the Doughs
Cover each dough with a damp cloth and let rest for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Prepare Potato Filling
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, add roasted cumin seeds, then stir‑in mashed potatoes, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook 5 minutes, then stir in chopped cilantro.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Roll Colored Sheets
Divide each colored dough into 4 equal balls. On a lightly floured board, roll each ball into a thin circle (about 12‑inch diameter). Cut each circle in half.
Time: PT10M
Create Layered Rolls
Stack one half‑circle of beetroot dough, spinach dough, and turmeric dough in that order. Gently roll the stacked sheets into a tight spiral, then cut the roll into 8 equal pieces.
Time: PT5M
Fill and Seal Samosas
Take each cut piece, place a spoonful of potato filling on the wider end, fold over and press edges firmly to seal (you can moisten edges with water). Shape into a classic triangular samosa.
Time: PT5M
Fry Samosas
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry samosas in batches, turning gently, until golden brown and crisp, about 3‑4 minutes per batch.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Drain and Serve
Remove samosas with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and serve hot with green chutney.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 4g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan
Allergens: Wheat (gluten)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole Wheat Flour
- Instead of Beetroot: Red beet powder
- Instead of Spinach: Kale puree
- Instead of Turmeric Powder: Saffron (for color)
- Instead of Boiled Potatoes: Sweet potatoes
- Instead of Roasted Cumin Seeds: Cumin powder
- Instead of Vegetable Oil (for frying): Canola oil, Sunflower oil
Equipment Needed
- Blender
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Rolling Board
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Deep Frying Pan or Kadai
- Slotted Spoon
- Plate
- Paper Towels (optional)
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preparing pureed spinach and beetroot for vibrant colors
- Achieving smooth, non‑sticky dough for each color
- Sealing samosa edges to prevent oil leakage
- Frying at the correct temperature (350°F) for a crisp golden finish
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use ice‑cold water in the dough to keep it tender and easier to roll.
- Cover dough with a damp cloth while working on other colors to prevent drying.
- For extra shine, brush fried samosas lightly with melted butter before serving.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too sticky and tears while rolling.
Add a little extra flour, knead briefly, and let the dough rest longer under a damp cloth.
Samosa edges open during frying.
Moisten the sealing edges with water and press firmly; you can also use a fork to crimp the edges.
Samosas turn out soggy instead of crisp.
Make sure oil is at 350°F before adding samosas and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store unfried samosas in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in oven.
Freezer: Freeze fried samosas in a single layer, then transfer to a zip‑lock bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly in oven.
Room temperature: Not recommended; samosas become soggy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 hours before rolling.
- Potato filling keeps well refrigerated for 24 hours; reheat before filling.
- Fried samosas freeze well; reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of samosa in Indian cuisine?
Samosas originated in the Middle East and traveled to the Indian subcontinent, where they became a beloved street‑food snack. In India they are enjoyed during festivals, tea time, and as an appetizer at celebrations.
What are the traditional regional variations of samosa in Indian cuisine?
Northern India favors a crisp, deep‑fried pastry with a spiced potato‑pea filling, while in the south samosas may be baked or filled with lentils and coconut. Coastal regions sometimes add seafood or use rice flour for a lighter crust.
How is a classic samosa traditionally served in Indian households?
A classic samosa is served hot, accompanied by tangy green chutney made from cilantro and mint, and a sweet‑sour tamarind chutney. It is often enjoyed with a cup of chai.
What occasions or celebrations is samosa traditionally associated with in Indian culture?
Samosas are popular during Ramadan for Iftar, at Diwali snack platters, and at wedding receptions as a finger food. They are also a staple at tea‑time gatherings.
How does samosa fit into the broader Indian snack tradition?
Samosa is part of the Indian 'chaat' family—savory, bite‑size snacks that combine textures and bold spices. It complements other favorites like pakoras, bhajis, and papdi chaat.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for samosa versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional samosa dough uses all‑purpose flour, oil, and water. Fillings typically include potatoes, peas, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Substitutes like whole‑wheat flour or sweet potato filling work, but the classic flavor profile relies on the spice mix.
What other Indian dishes pair well with rainbow colored samosa?
Rainbow samosas pair beautifully with cooling raita, tangy tamarind chutney, or a simple cucumber‑mint salad. They also complement a bowl of hot lentil soup (dal) for a balanced meal.
What makes rainbow colored samosa special or unique in Indian cuisine?
The rainbow version adds visual excitement by using spinach, beetroot, and turmeric doughs, turning a familiar snack into a festive, eye‑catching appetizer while retaining the classic spiced potato filling.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making rainbow colored samosa?
Common errors include over‑hydrating the dough, which makes it tear; not sealing the edges tightly, causing oil to seep in; and frying at too low a temperature, which results in soggy samosas.
Why does this rainbow samosa recipe use separate colored doughs instead of adding food coloring to a single dough?
Separate doughs preserve the natural flavors and vibrant hues of spinach, beetroot, and turmeric, giving each layer its own taste and color without the artificial taste that food coloring can impart.
What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in?
The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on creative home‑cooking tutorials, showcasing visually striking twists on classic Indian dishes and encouraging viewers to experiment with colors and flavors.
How does the YouTube channel Unknown's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Channel Unknown emphasizes bold visual presentation, such as rainbow‑colored pastries, while still teaching traditional spice techniques. This blend of aesthetics and authentic flavor sets it apart from more conventional recipe‑only channels.
Last updated: September 4, 2026








