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Usually characterised by their crunchy texture and subtle sweet taste, water chestnuts can be used in both sweet and savoury preparations. Although water chestnuts are frequently used in salads and stir-fries, many people might not be aware that they work well in sweets as well. The inherent texture of these crunchy tubers opens up a lot of culinary possibilities via the innovation that the slightly sweet taste brings to sweet creations. There is something for everyone here, from innovative treats like layered jelly desserts, a nutty cake or classic Indian treats like halwa and barfi. These recipes not only prove that water chestnuts are quite versatile, but also follow some interesting ways to incorporate this healthy food into your meal. Prepare to impress your loved ones with these creative and delicious water chestnut treats.
Water Chestnut Halwa
A tasty twist on the traditional Indian dessert is water chestnut halwa. The first step involves roasting finely ground water chestnut flour in ghee until a nutty smell is released. When milk, sugar, and cardamom are added, a rich, aromatic concoction is produced that is heated until it becomes thick and smooth. This halwa, which is garnished with chopped nuts and a dash of saffron, has the ideal texture balance. Sugar in water chestnuts helps to bring out the caramelise taste and cardamom is just a bonus for this treat.
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Water Chestnut Barfi
Water chestnuts and khoya (reduced milk solids) are combined in this creative twist on traditional barfi. After being ground into a fine powder, the water chestnuts are combined with sugar, khoya, and a small amount of cardamom. Low heat is used to cook these ingredients until a smooth, flexible dough develops. It turns into a solid but tender barfi. Spread it out on a plate, cut it into diamond shapes, and top it with silver varq or pistachios. A unique twist on the traditional milk-based Indian treat, this version has a creamy smoothness with delicate crunchy bits.
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Water Chestnut Kheer
The popular Indian rice pudding is given a cool touch with water chestnut kheer. Cardamom, saffron, and a little rose water are added to milk and used to boil small chunks of fresh water chestnuts. The water chestnuts maintain their distinctive crunch as the milk thickens and becomes creamy as it diminishes. Another layer of texture is added by adding crushed nuts, usually pistachios and almonds. Every mouthful of this kheer offers a wonderful contrast because of its distinctive blend of crisp water chestnut chunks and a smooth, creamy base.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Water Chestnut Nutty Cake
This delicious dessert highlights the versatility of water chestnuts in baking To provide a distinctive texture profile, chopped water chestnuts and other nuts are scattered throughout a light sponge cake. Ground water chestnuts are mixed into the batter, and they provide the cake with a moist crumb, but some solidity as well. The cream cheese icing also has water chestnuts that have been finely chopped. A pleasing crunch and visual appeal are added by the last touches of roasted nuts and water chestnut bits on top.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Layered Water Chestnut Jelly Dessert
Layers of water chestnut cream and clear jelly alternate in this delicious treat. Water chestnuts suspended in a light coconut milk jelly make up the bottom layer, while diverse fruit flavours are added in later layers. Different bands of colour and texture are produced by setting each layer separately. The water chestnuts add a surprising textural contrast by remaining crunchy inside the silky jelly.
Water Chestnut Egg Dessert
Water chestnuts are combined with a smooth egg custard foundation in this delicacy which has Asian influences. This dessert has a silky, steaming custard enhanced with water chestnut chunks, much like Chinese egg custard. Eggs, milk, and sugar are used to make the custard, which is lightly flavoured with ginger and vanilla. Its smooth, silky texture when cooked creates a lovely contrast to the crunchy water chestnuts. This dessert, which can be served warm or cold, The water chestnuts give the creamy custard base texture and a hint of sweetness.
