Singhare Atte Ka Halwa (Water Chestnut Flour Halwa)
A Traditional North Indian Delight
Singhare Atte Ka Halwa, also known as Water Chestnut Flour Halwa or Singoda Sheera, is a delectable Indian dessert that’s not only rich in taste but also perfect for the winter season. This warm, melt-in-your-mouth treat is made by roasting Singoda Flour (Water Chestnut Flour) in ghee and then cooking it with sugar and water until it reaches a smooth, crumbly consistency. The final touch of toasted cashew nuts adds a delightful crunch, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser at any gathering or festive occasion.
The natural sweetness and earthy texture of water chestnut flour make this halwa a great alternative to traditional flour-based desserts, and it is often enjoyed as a special offering during religious observances, fasting periods, or as a comforting treat after meals.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Singoda Flour (Water Chestnut) | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Ghee | 1 cup + 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 2 teaspoons, freshly ground |
| Cashew nuts, halved | 1/4 cup |
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare Sugar Syrup:
Begin by heating the water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously to ensure the sugar dissolves completely into the water. Once the sugar has melted, reduce the heat to low and continue warming the syrup until you are ready to add it to the flour mixture. -
Roast the Singoda Flour:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 cup of ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee has melted, add the Singoda Flour (Water Chestnut Flour). Roast the flour in the ghee, stirring continuously. After about 5 minutes, the flour will begin to emit a delightful roasted aroma and turn to a golden brown color. This is the sign that it has been roasted properly. Keep stirring to ensure even roasting and prevent the flour from burning. The flour will begin to form coarse crumbles as it roasts. -
Add Cardamom:
Once the flour has been roasted to your satisfaction, reduce the heat to low and stir in the freshly ground cardamom powder (Elaichi). This will infuse the mixture with a warm, aromatic flavor. -
Incorporate the Sugar Syrup:
Gradually add the prepared hot sugar syrup to the flour mixture, stirring continuously as the mixture may initially start to curdle. Continue stirring as it thickens. Over the next 10-15 minutes, you’ll notice the mixture transitioning into a thick but still slightly coarse consistency, with grains resembling a crumbly texture rather than a smooth dough. Keep stirring to ensure the consistency is just right. -
Final Touch:
Once the mixture has thickened and become slightly dry yet crumbly, turn off the heat and cover the pan. Let the halwa sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Toast the Cashew Nuts:
While the halwa rests, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the cashew nuts and toast them until they are golden brown. Once they are ready, turn off the heat and stir the toasted cashews into the halwa. -
Serve:
Your Singhare Atte Ka Halwa is now ready to be served! This sweet dish can be enjoyed warm after lunch, as an evening snack, or even served at festive occasions. The addition of roasted cashew nuts gives it a crunchy texture that beautifully complements the smoothness of the halwa.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this water chestnut flour halwa as a dessert following a hearty meal.
- This dish is especially popular during the winter months and festive seasons.
- Pair with a refreshing drink like Masala Chai or Sweet Lassi for an extra special touch.
Tips:
- Be sure to roast the flour carefully to avoid burning. The roasting step is key to developing the flavor and texture of the halwa.
- For a twist, you can garnish the halwa with other nuts such as almonds or pistachios.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, continue cooking the halwa for a little longer after it thickens until it reaches your desired consistency.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on exact ingredients and serving size.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
Conclusion
Singhare Atte Ka Halwa (Water Chestnut Flour Halwa) is a delightful North Indian dessert that offers a rich, warm flavor perfect for cooler months. The combination of roasted flour, ghee, and sugar, paired with the fragrance of cardamom, creates a comfort food experience that is both indulgent and satisfying. Whether enjoyed during religious observances or as a treat for family and friends, this halwa is a true representation of the flavors and traditions of North India.
