Shapale - Indian Recipe Book

Shapale, also spelled as Shapaley or Shapaley, is a traditional Indian dish hailing from the Nort Eastern state Sikkim, that features deep-fried meat-filled pastries. The dish is commonly made with minced meat, such as lamb or goat, and seasoned with various spices.

Here’s a detailed recipe for making Shapale:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Water (as needed)

For the Filling:

1 lb minced meat (lamb, goat, or your choice)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Cooking oil for frying

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
Gradually add water while kneading to form a smooth and elastic dough.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, and salt.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Dough

Take a small portion of the rested dough and roll it into a thin disc (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of the dough disc.
Fold the dough in half to cover the filling, forming a half-moon shape.
Seal the edges by pressing them together, ensuring there are no openings.

Step 4: Fry the Shapale

Heat cooking oil in a deep fryer or a deep, heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place the filled and sealed Shapale into the hot oil.
Fry until the pastries are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the Shapale from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.