Yes, you can substitute butter with ghee in samosas. Ghee, being clarified butter, offers a richer, nuttier flavor and a higher smoke point, which can enhance the samosa's taste and texture.
Ghee is essentially butter that has had its milk solids and water removed through a heating process. This process not only gives ghee its distinctive flavor but also makes it more stable at higher temperatures. When used in samosa dough, ghee contributes to a flakier and more tender crust compared to using regular butter. The higher smoke point of ghee also means it can withstand the high temperatures of frying without burning or imparting a bitter taste. Furthermore, the nutty flavor of ghee complements the savory filling of samosas, creating a more complex and satisfying taste profile. To substitute, use the same amount of ghee as you would butter in your samosa recipe.
When using ghee, ensure it's at room temperature or slightly melted before incorporating it into the flour. This will help it distribute evenly, resulting in a more consistent and tender samosa crust. Avoid using hot ghee, as it can prematurely activate the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher dough.