Sambusa-i Kadu & Sabzi Skillet (Crispy Tajik Baked Pumpkin & Herb Pastries with Yogurt Dip) – Authentic Tajikistan Recipe
Golden sesame-topped Tajik pastries filled with sweet, cumin-scented pumpkin and onions.
- Country of Origin
- 🇹🇯 Tajikistan (Central Asia, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- vegetarian
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Flaky golden pastry triangles, Diced sweet pumpkin and caramelized onion filling, Cool garlic-herb yogurt sauce, Toasted cumin and sesame seeds, Black pepper
Ingredients for Sambusa-i Kadu & Sabzi Skillet (Crispy Tajik Baked Pumpkin & Herb Pastries with Yogurt Dip) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) flaky golden pastry triangles, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups diced sweet pumpkin and caramelized onion filling, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup cool garlic-herb yogurt sauce
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with toasted cumin and sesame seeds
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Tajikistan seasoning (black pepper, cilantro)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) and lightly oil an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, toasted cumin and sesame seeds, and black pepper, cilantro for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine flaky golden pastry triangles and diced sweet pumpkin and caramelized onion filling with the sautéed aromatics and layer evenly into the baking dish.
- Top with cool garlic-herb yogurt sauce and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm at the table.