Ingredients
Method
Step 1 — Prepare the filling
- Mash the potatoes: After boiling the potatoes, mash them until smooth. Set aside.Cook the onions and spices: In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.Add garlic, green chili (if using), and spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala) and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.Stir in the mashed potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add peas, cilantro, and lemon juice (if using), mixing everything until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2 — Prepare the pastry
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).Roll the puff pastry: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle or square (about ¼-inch thick).Cut the pastry: Cut the pastry into 8–10 squares or circles, depending on the size of your desired pastry pockets.Fill the pastry: Spoon a generous amount of the potato mixture into the center of each pastry piece, making sure not to overfill.
Step 3 — Seal and bake
- Fold the pastry: Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangular pocket. Press the edges together firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring it’s fully closed.Egg wash (optional): If you want a golden, shiny finish, brush the top of each pastry with a light egg wash (beaten egg with a little water).Bake: Arrange the pastries on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
Step 4 — Serve
- Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm and crispy, but they also make a great snack at room temperature.
Notes
Potato texture: Make sure the potatoes are completely mashed and not lumpy. If there are lumps, it will make the filling harder to handle and less smooth.
Customize the filling: Feel free to add extra ingredients to the filling like sautéed mushrooms, ground meat (beef, lamb, or chicken), or more veggies like carrots or spinach.
Adjust the spice: The green chili adds a bit of heat, but if you prefer a milder version, you can omit it or replace it with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Keep the pastry cold: Working with puff pastry is easiest when it’s cold. If your pastry gets soft while handling, place it in the fridge for 10 minutes before continuing.
Freezing: These pastries freeze well! Once assembled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at the same temperature for 35–40 minutes.