What is water chestnut flour, singoda flour? glossary, uses, recipes, benefits

Singoda Flour: A Gluten-Free Indian Staple

Singoda flour, also known as water chestnut flour or singhare ka atta in Hindi, is a unique and versatile gluten-free flour commonly used in Indian cuisine. It's derived from dried water chestnuts, which are aquatic vegetables. Unlike grain flours, shingoda flour has a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and a distinct texture. Its inherent gluten-free nature makes it a popular choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, as well as for those observing religious fasts (vrat) where grain flours are typically restricted.

Versatile Uses Across Indian Cuisine

The primary use of shingoda flour in India is during religious fasting periods like Navratri, Ekadashi, and Maha Shivaratri. During these times, people abstain from grains, and shingoda flour serves as an excellent alternative for making various dishes. Beyond fasting, it's also used in everyday cooking, especially in certain regional cuisines. Its ability to bind ingredients makes it useful in thickening gravies or as a coating for fried foods, providing a crisp texture.

Easy Availability and Storage

Shingoda flour is widely available across India, particularly in grocery stores and supermarkets, especially leading up to and during major fasting festivals. You'll find it in the flour or fasting food sections. It usually comes in sealed packets to maintain freshness. Storing shingoda flour is straightforward; it should be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption and extend its shelf life. If stored properly, it can last for several months.

Popular Recipe Examples

Many traditional and innovative recipes utilize shingoda flour. Some common examples include:

• Singhare ki Puri/Pakora: Deep-fried flatbreads or fritters made from shingoda flour, often spiced with green chilies and rock salt (sendha namak).
• Singhare ka Halwa: A sweet pudding prepared by roasting the flour in ghee, then cooking it with sugar, water, and often nuts.
• Vrat-friendly Sabzis: Shingoda flour can be used as a thickener for fasting-appropriate vegetable dishes, giving them a rich consistency.
• Thalipeeth/Cheela: Savory pancakes or flatbreads similar to those made with other flours, incorporating grated vegetables and spices suitable for fasting.

Significant Health Benefits

Beyond its culinary versatility, shingoda flour offers notable health benefits. It is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy during fasts. It is rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and can help in maintaining gut health. Shingoda flour also contains various essential minerals, including potassium, which is vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure, and manganese, important for bone health and metabolism. Its gluten-free nature makes it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities, allowing them to enjoy traditional Indian flavors without adverse reactions.

Also known as

Singhare ka atta

How to select

• Select water chestnut flour, which is white and powdery, without any lumps or discoloration.

• Check the expiry date before buying flour.

Culinary uses of water chestnut flour, singoda flour in Indian cooking

Indian fasting recipes using water chestnut flour

1. singhada halwa, sheera recipe | farali singhare atte ka halwa | vrat, fasting sheera | water chestnut flour halwa | with step by step images.

singhada halwa, sheera is a quick and easy Indian mithai with a touch of rich nuts. Learn how to make farali singhare atte ka halwa. 
singhada halwa is made from singhoda, ghee sugar and cardamom powder.
This farali singhare atte ka halwa was indigenously once made in every household in the past. This is a treat for elders who usually opt for fasting and are always looking for soft, easily chewable food which is palatable at the same time. 
The use of ghee and the addition of cardamom powder give the sheera a very rich aroma, which is typical of most Indian sweets. Garnish vrat, fasting sheeragenerously with nuts, to add to the sumptuousness of this delightful dessert.

2. Bhavnagari chillies for fasting : This evergreen favourite is made of Bhavnagari chillies, flavoured with sesame seeds and cumin seeds. Besan is replaced with waterchestnut flour, to make this accompaniment qualify for a fast.

• Water chestnut flour can be used to make pancakes, puris and chapattis especially on fasting days when cereals are shunned.

• Their main culinary usage is as a thickener and they are used to batter-fry paneer and vegetables.

• The flour may also be used to make bread, cakes and cookies.

How to store water chestnut flour, shingoda flour

Water chestnut flour keeps well in a sealed container in a cool, dry, and dark location.

Health benefits

• Water chestnut flour is a good source of potassium and fibre.

• It is low in sodium and fat.

• However, water chestnut flour is high in carbohydrates.