Chicken Samosas with Cilantro-Yogurt Dip

This chile pepper gets its name from its origin. In Spanish, serrano is an adjective meaning “from the mountains” which is where it originated-in the mountains of Hildalgo, Mexico. The serrano is normally about twice as hot as Jalapeno (about 10,000 to 15,000 Scoville units). It is the second most popular chile pepper in Mexico. This chile is used mostly for salsas but can also be used in soups, sauces, chili or stews. Try these as a hotter substitute for Jalapeno.

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Ingredients:

Cilantro-Yogurt Dip:
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
3/4 cup plain whole-milk yogurt, divided
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 serrano chile, seeded, coarsely chopped
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp ground cumin

Samosas:
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 Tbsp minced peeled fresh ginger
1 Tbsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 cup chopped seeded tomatoes
1 Tbsp tamarind concentrate (available at Middle Easter, Indian, and some Asian markets)
1 lb minced skinless boneless chicken breasts
12 spring roll wrappers
1 large egg white
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

For Cilantro-Yogurt Dip:
Place cilantro, 1/4 cup yogurt, lemon juice, and chile in blender. Process until smooth. Transfer to small bowl. Add remaining yogurt, sugar, and cumin. Stir to blend.(Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)

For Samosas:

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and saute until soft, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and next 5 ingredients. Saute 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and stir until tomatoes soften, about 2 minutes. Add tamarind concentrate. Stir to blend. Add chicken and saute until cooked through, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Cool to room temperature. (Filling can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.)

Place 1 spring roll wrapper on work surface. Cut in half diagonally. Place 2 Tbsp filling in center of each triangle. Brush edges with egg white. Fold edges together, forming triangle. Press edges to seal tightly. Place on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining filling and spring roll wrappers. Check that all edges are sealed tightly. (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill.)

Makes about 24.

From Bon Appetit.