1sheetFrozen puff pastryThawed in the refrigerator 3-4 hours
Instructions
Boil Potatoes (Instant Pot or Microwave)
Instant Pot: Place trivet in inner pot. Pour 1 cup water and place potatoes on the trivet. Close the lid (sealing position), and pressure cook for 5 mins at high pressure. If using russet potato, increase time to 7 mins.
Microwave: Poke potatoes with a fork. In a microwave safe bowl, add potatoes and fill the bowl halfway through with water. Cook potatoes using the 'Potatoes preset", or for 7 mins at high temperature. Check for doneness by inserting a knife. If still not done, microwave for another 2 mins.
When potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel and mash them. Keep aside.
Samosa Filling
Heat a non-stick pan on medium-high heat (takes 30-45 seconds). Add oil and cumin seeds.
When cumin seeds begin to sizzle, add chopped onion and Jalapeno. Saute for 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat.
Add finely chopped ginger and spices, including salt, coriander, garam masala, red chili powder, amchur. Stir everything. The residual heat from the onions is enough to bloom the spices and ginger.
Add mashed potatoes and mix everything to combine. Add thawed peas and chopped cilantro. Mix well and set aside.
Pinwheels
Thaw one sheet of 'rectangle-shaped' store-bought puff pastry in the refrigerator. It should take 3-4 hours. Keep it refrigerated till the filling is cool and ready for use.
Remove the puff pastry sheet from the fridge. Sprinkle a little all-purpose flour on any rolling surface, and rolling pin. Using the rolling pin, thin out the pastry sheet so it expands by 15-20% in size (roughly).
Using the back of a spoon or an off-set spatula, spread the samosa filling in a thin layer all over the pastry sheet, leaving ¼ inch from the sides.
Now roll the sheet like a log, starting from the longer side. Use smaller flips so it rolls up into a tight log. (Watch the video)
Once rolled, roll it a few times so the seems seal tightly. Now, trim off ½ inch at the edges and discard. Using a sharp knife, cut the log in ½ inch discs. Lay the discs flat and 'gently' press down with your fingers, flattening it a bit.
Bake it- Air fryer or Oven
Air Fryer: Lay the discs down in the fryer basket, keeping a little distance between each. Air fry them at 400°F for 8 mins. Don't overcrowd the basket as that prevents them from puffing up and getting crisp.
Oven: Lay the pinwheel discs on an aluminum or parchment lined baking sheet, keeping a little distance between each. Bake as per the pastry-box directions. I mostly end up baking them for 10-12 in a preheated oven at 400°F.
Serving Suggestion
Cool the pinwheels for 5-10 minutes. Then serve them with cilantro chutney and tamarind chutney, or even ketchup!
Video
Notes
Chill the samosa filling completely. If you spread warm potato filling on the cold puff pastry, it will melt the fat in the pastry, completely ruining it's light, flaky texture.
Make sure the puff pastry remains as cold as possible. This ensures your samosa pinwheels will bake to a light and crispy texture. Follow the Tips For Working With Puff Pastry above.
Spread the potato filling as even as possible and leave a border. The even layer will produce an even spiral of potato filling throughout the pastry. The border ensures the pastry rolls and seals properly. For an extra bit of insurance, you can brush a light layer of cold water on the outer edge where you are going to seal so the pastry sticks together.
Leave a generous amount of space between each pinwheel when baking - at least 2 inches. This facilitates enough air circulation around each pastry puff, which promotes even cooking and that beautiful golden brown color.
For extra golden color, you can (optionally) brush the top of each samosa pinwheel with a light coating of egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon of water).
Easily double the recipe. Since most puff pastry packages come with two pastry sheets, simply double the recipe and use the whole package. It's also another great way to feed a crowd!
Note: The nutrition facts below are my estimates and do not include condiments. If you are following any diet plan, I recommend cross-checking with your preferred nutrition calculator.