If you’re looking for a light, crispy, and flavorful dish to enjoy while fasting, this Singhara Salad, made with water chestnuts, is the perfect pick. Also known as Singhara, water chestnuts are packed with fiber and have a low glycemic index, making it an ideal snack for Navratri fasting.

To elevate this simple ingredient, we’re pairing it with a zesty green chutney and a creamy yogurt or ricotta base. This Singhara Salad is not only refreshing and guilt-free but also gluten-free, making it a wholesome choice for anyone looking for a nutritious snack idea during fasting. So, let’s dive into this unique and tasty recipe!

Why To Make It?

  • Perfect for Fasting: Singhara is naturally gluten-free and fasting-friendly, so it’s a great addition to your Navratri menu.
  • Nutritious & Light: Water chestnuts are high in fiber and low in calories, making them a smart snack choice.
  • Burst of Flavors: The combination of crunchy water chestnuts and creamy chutney yogurt, creates a beautiful balance of textures and flavors.
  • Easy to Make: This salad is quick to put together, making it an ideal snack or light meal when you’re pressed for time.

Ingredients

  • Water chestnut (Singhara): Provides a crispy, refreshing base with plenty of fiber.
  • Ghee: Used to sauté the water chestnuts, adding richness and flavor.
  • Rock salt: Enhances the natural flavors, perfect for fasting.
  • Chili flakes: Adds a bit of heat to the salad.
  • Cumin: Adds a subtle earthiness and warmth.
  • Mixed herbs: For a touch of freshness and complexity.
  • Sesame seeds: Adds nuttiness and crunch.
  • Fresh basil: Complements the pesto and adds a burst of freshness.
  • Hung yogurt or whipped ricotta: Provides a creamy, tangy base for the salad.
  • Fresh green chutney: Brings bold, herby flavor to the dish.
  • Crumbled walnuts: For an extra layer of crunch and a nutty flavor.
  • Crushed ragi crackers: Adds a healthy, gluten-free crunch to the dish. (Not recommended if you are fasting for navratri.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instruction

Sauté the Water Chestnuts: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the water chestnuts until they’re crispy. This gives them a light, crunchy texture.

Season: Once crispy, season the water chestnuts with rock salt, chili flakes, cumin, mixed herbs, sesame seeds, and fresh basil. Then, toss everything together to coat evenly.

Prepare the Base: In a bowl, whisk together hung yogurt (or whipped ricotta) with fresh green chutney until smooth. This will serve as the creamy foundation for the salad.

Tip:  Ensure that the water chestnuts are sautéed on medium heat to achieve an even crispiness.

Assemble the Salad: Spoon the yogurt-chutney mixture into a serving bowl and top with the seasoned water chestnuts.

Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of crumbled walnuts and crushed ragi crackers for added crunch.

Serve & Enjoy: Your refreshing and crispy Singhara Salad is ready to serve!

Substitutions

  • Yogurt Substitute: You can replace the hung yogurt with Greek yogurt or even vegan yogurt for a dairy-free option.
  • Green Chutney: If you’re out of Green Chutney, try using tomato chutney or tamarind sauce for a unique flavor.
  • Ragi Crackers: Swap out the ragi crackers for any gluten-free cracker or even toasted quinoa for a similar crunchy texture.
  • Walnuts: If you don’t have walnuts, use almonds or pumpkin seeds for a nutty garnish.

Variations

  • Add a handful of arugula or baby spinach for a fresh, leafy touch to the salad.
  • You can drizzle lemon juice or balsamic glaze for a tangy finish.
  • For extra protein, you can top the salad with some paneer cubes or grilled tofu.
  • You can add some pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness and a pop of color.

Storage

Storing: Store the water chestnuts separately from the yogurt-chutney mixture in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this salad. If the water chestnuts lose their crispiness, you can lightly sauté them again to revive their texture.

How to serve

This salad is perfect as a light snack during fasting or as a refreshing side dish with any meal. Serve it chilled with a sprinkle of crumbled walnuts for added flavor and crunch.

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble this salad right before serving to maintain the crispiness of the water chestnuts. However, you can prepare the chutney yogurt and sauté the water chestnuts in advance, keeping them separate until serving.

Is this salad suitable for fasting?

Yes, this salad is perfect for fasting, especially during Navratri. Just ensure the ingredients you use comply with fasting guidelines.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use vegan yogurt or whipped tofu in place of hung yogurt or ricotta.

What’s a good substitute for water chestnuts?

If you can’t find water chestnuts, jicama or radishes can provide a similar crunchy texture.

How long will this salad last in the fridge?

You can store the salad components separately in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best to assemble it fresh for the best texture.

More Such Recipes

Watch Video

Water chestnut Salad Recipe

This water chestnut Salad is crispy, flavorful, and light on your tummy, making it perfect for Navratri fasting.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine continental
Servings 3 people
Calories 209 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water chestnut
  • 1 tbsp ghee
  • 1/2 tsp rock salt
  • 1/3 tsp chili flakes
  • 1/3 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp mixed herbs
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 5 basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup hung yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Green chutney suitable for fasting
  • 2 tbsp walnuts crushed
  • 1 tbsp ragi crackers optional

Instructions
 

  • Sauté the Water Chestnuts: In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the water chestnuts until they’re crispy. This gives them a light, crunchy texture.
  • Season: Once crispy, season the water chestnuts with rock salt, chili flakes, cumin, mixed herbs, sesame seeds, and fresh basil. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
  • Prepare the Base: In a bowl, whisk together hung yogurt (or whipped ricotta) with fresh green chutney until smooth. This will serve as the creamy foundation for the salad.
  • Assemble the Salad: Spoon the yogurt-chutney mixture into a serving bowl and top with the seasoned water chestnuts.
  • Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of crumbled walnuts and crushed ragi crackers for added crunch.
  • Serve & Enjoy: Your refreshing and crispy Singhada Salad is ready to serve!

Video

Notes

  • Sauté evenly: Ensure that the water chestnuts are sautéed on medium heat to achieve an even crispiness.
  • Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and chili flakes according to your preference.
  • Serve fresh: This salad is best served immediately to keep the water chestnuts crispy and the yogurt mixture creamy.

Nutrition

Calories: 209kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 603mgPotassium: 277mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 422IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Navratri Fasting Recipe, singhada salad, Water chestnut
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