Samosa Pie - what a disappointment

Last night we entertained a "pet" student overnight and consequently I spent most of the day in preparation. I'm not sure why one additional mouth to feed means it's got to be something semi-fabulous but that's just the way I was raised I guess. Whenever you had company you kind of put on the dogs if you get my drift ...or is that another Canadian euphemism?

Last night's efforts included a Samosa Pie that somehow was lost in the translation - isn't it miserable when something does end up quite as wonderful as you thought it would be? Samosas are the Indian version of empanadas with a spiced up boiled potato stuffing inside crispy flour dough normally served with Raita or chutney. I've made the appetizer version often and love the things - they're so crunchy, light and full of flavor, so what's not to love, right?

When I came across a recipe for Samosa Pie I thought "darn, that's gonna' be fabulous". The filling of cooked sweet and red potato cubes, onion, garlic, fresh ginger and tons of spices is prepped in advance then goes into a phyllo pastry crust and bakes for a hour. Oh I forgot to mention there's green peas in it too, but I only put them in half the pie because we all know what the big guy thinks about green peas! It made enough food to supply the entire neighborhood...of course 3 pounds of red potatoes and a pound of sweet will do that, won't it?

The verdict! I thought it was dry and all together rather boring, even with the requisite Raita and chutney. It's certainly not worth all the effort that went into it - in fact I'm not even going to post the recipe unless you all beg and plead. It's just not good enough and proves that you've got to be careful about things in pretty packages. Of course the best samosas are deep fried which is kind of impossible to do with a 10 inch pie. Thankfully we also had a green salad which was edible along with some extra crispy oven fried chicken that we've enjoyed here before.

Dessert was a repeat too as requested by the big guy. It was a lovely, flavorful Summer Pudding that made good use of all the fresh berries available right now. I have to admit I used a package of frozen wild blueberries instead of the fresh berries - those little wild ones are so much more flavorful than the high bush version for sale in the market right now. 

Dessert was definitely the high point of dinner. The proof is in the pudding ...get a load of that!

Comments

[Mags]

I'd have headed straight for that dessert too!

I had it when a recipe flops, especially one that you've gone to extra care to produce.

[Nanan]

Wow - what a shame that the pie was a flop - it sounded so good, too! And it was pretty! I am such a fan of samosas! At least you are a smartie and fixed the other goodies!

[June]

Lea - I love samosas too - at least the iddy biddy ones. Oh well! I'll forget all about it after I have another piece of summer pudding.

Mags - another kitchen disappointment. I think I need a vacation....and a one, two, three, all together singing...2 more weeks and we're on our way, 2 more, 2 more weeks.

[pam]

I hate when something that is a lot of work doesn't turn out like I'd hope. That's why I pretty much stick with real simple, then at least I haven't used up a lot of time and effort if it's not very good!

[June]

Pam - I like the way you think! I love a good kitchen challenge; however, unbeknown to the big guy tonight's dinner is reservations. I've had enough "kitchen challenges" for the next 24 hours and I'm on strike.

[Mary]

What a disappointment. It looks beautiful. The summer pudding certainly must have saved the day. I've bookmarked the recipe and will get back to it as soon as I have some time. I really love all the recipes you've posted here. As a matter of fact I really love your blog. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

[June]

Thank you Mary - I love your blog too. The summer pudding is so easy to make and so delicious. I can't imagine how fabulous it'll be with those wonderful Oregon berries!

[Mimi]

I've heard that the Samosa was quite good!

[June]

Mimi, I guess it's all a matter of taste and to my taste it wasn't so successful but one of these days I'll give it another try. Thanks so much for your comment and for visiting JBugs.