Stir-Fried Water Chestnuts Recipe
Discover the delightful crunch and fresh flavors of Stir-Fried Water Chestnuts, a quick and simple Asian-inspired side dish that can easily double as a savory snack. This vegetarian recipe combines the mild sweetness of water chestnuts with aromatic garlic, a medley of spices, and the earthy richness of extra virgin olive oil. Ready in just 25 minutes, itβs perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want a light snack that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Letβs dive into how to make this easy, yet delicious dish!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Singhade (water chestnuts), peeled | 12 (medium-sized) |
| Garlic (cloves) | 4 |
| Paprika powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili flakes | Β½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste (for sautΓ©ing) |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves, chopped | For garnish |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes
Servings:
2
Cuisine:
Asian
Course:
Side Dish
Diet:
Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Water Chestnuts:
Begin by peeling the water chestnuts and setting them aside. If using canned water chestnuts, drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess liquid. -
Heat the Olive Oil:
In a large pan or wok, heat a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Let the oil get nice and hot, but not smoking. -
Cook the Water Chestnuts:
Add the peeled water chestnuts to the pan. Stir them gently, allowing them to sizzle for about 1 minute until they start to take on a slight golden hue. -
Add the Garlic:
Next, mince the garlic cloves and toss them into the pan with the water chestnuts. Stir everything together and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, letting the garlic release its aromatic fragrance. -
Season the Dish:
Sprinkle the paprika powder, black pepper powder, and salt into the pan. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly coating the water chestnuts. -
Add the Heat:
Toss in the red chili flakes for a hint of spice. Continue to cook the mixture for 5 to 7 more minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the water chestnuts are evenly cooked and lightly crispy. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once the water chestnuts are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the spices, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish generously with chopped coriander leaves for a refreshing pop of color and flavor. -
Enjoy Your Dish:
Serve the Stir-Fried Water Chestnuts immediately. You can pair this side dish with Homemade Spicy Ramen with Tofu for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a standalone snack with a hot cup of Masala Chai during tea time.
Tips for Success:
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red chili flakes. For those who like it spicier, feel free to add extra chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will add the most flavor. Be sure to avoid overcooking the garlic, as it can become bitter if browned too much.
- Customization: You can add other vegetables to this dish, such as bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots, for added texture and flavor.
This simple yet flavorful Stir-Fried Water Chestnuts recipe will quickly become a favorite in your cooking rotation. Whether as a side dish for an Asian-inspired dinner or as a snack to accompany your afternoon tea, itβs sure to satisfy your cravings with minimal effort. Plus, itβs an excellent way to enjoy the crunchy goodness of water chestnuts in a savory, spice-infused form. Enjoy!
