
Samosadilla (Samosa Quesadilla)
Samosadillas represent innovative fusion between samosas and quesadillas, acknowledging that while perfectly made, expertly fried, and quickly served samosas are superior, this version offers practical advantages for home cooking. This creative concept combines Indian samosa flavors with Mexican quesadilla convenience for something accessible yet authentic to both traditions. The fusion approach makes complex flavors more approachable while respecting the essence of both culinary traditions.

While it’s true a perfectly made, expertly fried, and quickly served samosa is superior to this version, that can be a very rare combination of events. By comparison, this quesadilla approach is almost impossible to mess up, and if you use enough oil in your pan, you should be able to achieve a beautifully browned, crispy crust that rivals something out of a deep fryer.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled
kosher salt to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 serrano pepper, minced
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 ½ teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger
1 cup green peas
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 lemon, juiced
For the Cilantro Lime Chutney:
2 small bunches fresh cilantro with stems
⅓ cup fresh mint leaves
¼ cup sliced green onions
1 serrano pepper, sliced
1 lime, juiced, or more to taste
½ cup plain yogurt
salt to taste
6 flour tortillas, or as needed
1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
Directions
Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch cubes. Transfer into a pot of cold water. Stir in salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Simmer over medium heat until cubes are tender but still hold their shape, about 15 minutes. Drain potatoes in a colander and set aside.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion. Cook and stir until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine 1 teaspoon kosher salt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne in a small bowl for the spice mix.
Add serrano pepper, garlic, ginger, and the spice mix to the onions. Cook and stir until mixture is well combined, about 2 minutes. Add peas; cook until heated through and slightly tender, about 3 minutes.
Transfer mixture into a bowl with the potatoes. Add cilantro and lemon juice. Mix with a spatula until filling is well combined, with some potatoes partially mashed. Add more salt if needed.
Combine cilantro, mint, green onions, serrano pepper, lime juice, and yogurt in a blender. Blend until smooth. Season with salt.
Spread a few spoonfuls of the filling over one half of 1 tortilla. Fold in half. Repeat with remaining filling and tortillas.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each quesadilla until browned and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer quesadilla onto your work surface and cut in thirds. Plate and serve at any temperature, alongside the chutney sauce.
Chef John
Chef’s Notes
Substitute lime juice for lemon juice in the filling if desired.
Feel free to melt some mild cheese over the tortilla before adding the filling.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
433 | Calories |
13g | Fat |
70g | Carbs |
12g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 6 | |
Calories 433 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 13g | 17% |
Saturated Fat 4g | 18% |
Cholesterol 6mg | 2% |
Sodium 917mg | 40% |
Total Carbohydrate 70g | 25% |
Dietary Fiber 8g | 28% |
Total Sugars 4g | |
Protein 12g | 24% |
Vitamin C 35mg | 39% |
Calcium 182mg | 14% |
Iron 4mg | 21% |
Potassium 397mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.