One of my favorite foods here in Saudi Arabia is similar to an eggroll – it’s called Sambusa. They are usually stuffed with a ground meat mixture with onion and other flavorful spices. The outside can be made out of different types of dough and most often they are fried to a golden brown. They are divine! Sambusa appears on the menus of many Middle Eastern restaurants, usually as an appetizer, is popular as a take-out item during Ramadan, and is a popular treat made at home too.
About This Blog, and About Me: Susie of Arabia
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is KSA's 2nd largest city and is located on its west coast, right on the Red Sea. I moved here in 2007 with my Saudi hubby. This journal reflects the things that I see here, life through my eyes, my lens.
Please be sure to also visit my other blog, SUSIE OF ARABIA (formerly SUSIE'S BIG ADVENTURE), which relates my experiences, thoughts, and observations about living in Saudi Arabia.
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I love Sambusa very much ! Mama makes the best Sambusa ever 🙂
My hubby makes the best – maybe we should have a contest when you get back???
Sambusa is the one Saudi food that I have been craving for (aside from Al Baik’s chicken) since I left Jeddah 11 years ago. They’re sold abundantly during Rahmadhan. I wish I could have that again in this side of the world. (Philippines).
They are really not that hard to make, although a bit time consuming. My husband is a great cook and I help him make them at home. He likes to use the Chinese eggroll wrappers and stuff with your cooked ground beef mixture (onions, parsley, spices, whatever you want), then just deep fry until the wrapper is browned and crisp. They’re the best!!!
We do have something similar here in Spain, called empanadas, stuffed as well with groundmeat, onions and spices, or with tuna, onion and tomatoes (my favorite). The shape is exactly the same!
Hi Rob, we also have empanadas here in the Philippines, having been a Spanish colony for 500 years. Empanadas are like meat pies while the Sambusa’s wrapper is a bit cruncy.
Tony
Sambusa is a great tasting treat, though, preparation is complicated. The good news is that Sambusi Factory of Phoenix, Arizona started preparing Sambusa from scratch, packages it and freezes it overnight before shipping to retail grocery outlets and foodservices (www.sambusa.net). The venture’s goal is to deliver a better-quality Sambusa with exceptional flavor perfect for the people who are looking for a more balanced approach to eating.
Looks delicious!
I wish I could make them!!!
Have a nice day!
Love Tove
Delicious photo – I want to sample some!
Sounds good to me. When are you making them next? 😉
Welcome home Susie.