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Singhada Chaat: A Nostalgic Navratri Fasting Snack

Singhada Chaat

Print Recipe
Navratri water chestnut fasting chaat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 cup singhara flour (water chestnut flour) – a fasting-friendly, gluten-free flour made from dried water chestnuts
  • 2 medium potatoes, boiled, peeled and roughly mashed (boiling with sendha namak is optional)
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or oil (for the dough and cooking)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera) – gives a warm, earthy spice (allowed in vrat)
  • 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped (for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (adds zing)
  • ½ teaspoon coriander powder
  • A pinch of black pepper (or mild red chili powder) – also allowed
  • Sendha namak (rock salt) to taste (edible rock salt is used instead of regular salt during fasts)
  • Juice of ½ a lemon (for tang)
  • Handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional garnishes: plain yogurt or curd, pomegranate seeds, roasted peanuts or broken sev – for topping (see Variations below)
  • These simple ingredients follow the vrat rules (no wheat, rice, onions, garlic, etc.), yet together they create a flavorful snack.' The key is using rock salt and satsvik spices (cumin, black pepper, ginger, chili) that are traditionally allowed on fast days.

Instructions

  • Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mash the boiled potatoes while they’re still warm.' Add the singhara flour, cumin seeds, chopped green chili, grated ginger, coriander powder, and a pinch of rock salt and black pepper.' Mix well.' Sprinkle a little water (or a teaspoon of ghee) and knead gently into a soft dough.' It should hold together but not be sticky – add more flour or water as needed.
  • Shape the patties: Divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls.' Flatten each ball slightly between your palms or on a piece of parchment to make mini flatbreads or tikkis about ¼–½ inch thick.' If the dough is very soft, dust your hands with a bit of singhada flour.
  • Cook until crisp: Heat a griddle (tava) or non-stick pan over medium-low heat.' Add a few drops of oil or ghee and spread it.' Place the patties on the hot pan and cook on each side for 2–3 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula so they make good contact with the heat.' They should turn golden brown and crispy.' (For a more indulgent version, you can deep-fry these patties in oil until they puff up – either way works, but roasting uses less oil.)
  • Spice and garnish: Arrange the cooked patties on a plate or shallow bowl.' Immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over them and sprinkle a little more sendha namak and black pepper to taste.' Gently toss so the pieces absorb the seasonings.' Finally, sprinkle the chopped coriander leaves on top.' The result is a plate of golden, hearty chaat – each piece coated with zesty, peppery flavors and a hint of fresh herbs.
  • Serve hot: Serve this Singhada Chaat warm or at room temperature.' It makes a crunchy, satisfying snack or side dish. In a pinch, you can also break the larger patties into bite-size pieces and pile them like traditional chaat.