Singhare ki Sabzi

Name: Singhare ki Sabzi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: north_indian
Ingredients: 500 g water chestnuts (fresh, peeled, sliced into rounds); 2 tbsp ghee; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 inch ginger (grated); 2 pcs green chili (slit lengthwise); 2 pcs tomato (medium, finely chopped); 1 pinch red chili powder; 1 pinch turmeric powder; 1 pinch black pepper (freshly ground); 0.5 tsp sendha namak (rock salt, or to taste); 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 2 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped, for garnish); 0.25 cup water (for cooking)

RATING

4.2/5(28)

TASTE SCORE

7/10

A vibrant North Indian dry curry made with crunchy water chestnuts simmered in a tangy tomato-onion masala. This vrat-friendly sabzi skips grains and heavy spices, relying on rock salt and a gentle kick of green chili for its flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, it pairs perfectly with kuttu ki roti or sama rice for a satisfying meal.

PREP

10m

COOK

15m

SERVES

1 KATORI

198 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 6 STEPS

prep
Prepare the water chestnuts.
If using fresh water chestnuts, peel them and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds. If using packaged, rinse and drain well. Keep aside.
temper · ~2 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
2.Add cumin seeds and let them crackle for 30 seconds.
3.Add grated ginger and slit green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
TIPKeep the heat medium-low so the cumin doesn't burn.
saute · ~7 min
Cook the tomato masala.
1.Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan.
2.Stir in the red chili powder, turmeric, and black pepper.
3.Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and break down completely (5-7 minutes).
4.The ghee should start separating from the masala.
TIPMash the tomatoes with the back of your spoon as they cook for a smoother masala.
simmer · ~7 min
Add water chestnuts and cook.
1.Add the sliced water chestnuts to the masala.
2.Sprinkle the sendha namak and mix well to coat each piece.
3.Add ¼ cup water, stir, and cover the pan.
4.Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring once halfway. The water chestnuts should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
TIPDon't overcook — the water chestnuts are best with a crisp bite.
garnish · ~1 min
Finish with lemon juice and coriander.
1.Remove the pan from heat.
2.Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the sabzi and mix gently.
3.Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
serve
Serve hot with kuttu ki roti or sama rice.
This sabzi is best enjoyed immediately while warm.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Peel fresh water chestnuts under running water to prevent browning and ease the process.
2
Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the masala from sticking and burning.
3
Cook the tomato masala until ghee visibly separates for a deeper, richer flavor.
4
Keep water chestnuts slightly crunchy by simmering only until tender but not mushy.
5
Add lemon juice only after removing from heat to retain its fresh, tangy kick.
6
This sabzi tastes best when served immediately, as it can lose its crunch upon reheating.
7
For a make-ahead option, prep the sliced water chestnuts and store in water in the fridge for up to a day.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

no onion no garlic

No-onion-no-garlic

This recipe inherently skips onion and garlic (vrat-friendly), making it perfect for those following a satvik or fasting diet who avoid tamasic ingredients.

low fat

Low-fat

Replace ghee with a neutral oil like coconut or avocado oil for a lighter version that still works well with the masala.

spicier

Spicier

Add 1-2 more slit green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a fiery kick with their crunchy water chestnuts.

protein boost

Protein-boost

Stir in a handful of roasted peanuts or cooked paneer cubes at the end for added protein, making it a more filling meal.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

✓

Low-Calorie Crunch

Water chestnuts are naturally low in calories and high in water content, providing a satisfying crunch without weighing you down.

✓

Rich in Potassium

Water chestnuts are a good source of potassium, which helps support healthy blood pressure and muscle function.

✓

Digestive Support

Ghee and cumin seeds aid digestion, while ginger and black pepper help stimulate appetite and reduce bloating.

✓

Vrat-Friendly Nutrition

Made with sendha namak (rock salt) and vrat-approved ingredients like water chestnuts and ghee, this dish adheres to fasting dietary rules without sacrificing taste.

QUESTIONS?