See Singhada Sheera, Farali Singhara Halwa, Vrat Recipe 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 sheera generously with nuts, to add to the sumptuousness of this delightful dessert.
To make singhada halwa, sheera, heat the ghee in a broad non-stick pan, add the water chestnut flour and cook on a slow flame for 4 minutes or till it turns light brown in colour, while stirring continuously. Add 2 cups of warm water, mix well and cook on a slow flame for another 4 minutes or till all the water has been absorbed, while stirring continuously. Add the sugar, mix well and cook on a slow flame for 4 more minutes, while stirring continuously. Switch off the flame, add the cardamom powder and mix well. Serve hot garnished with almonds and pistachios.
Who can resist a ladleful of sheera, even on a fasting day! Well, why not. Here is a lip-smacking water chestnut flour halwa that is perfectly acceptable on fasting days as well. You won’t miss the atte ka sheera – neither in terms of texture or appeal.
Tips for singhada halwa, sheera. 1. Roasting the water chestnut flour sufficiently, till it turns golden in colour, is very essential to bring out a rich aroma and do away with the raw smell of the flour. 2. After adding sugar, cook it for the exact time given, else the excess cooking of sugar might lead to crystallization and might not give the perfect smooth texture. 3. Cook the mixture on a slow flame only throughout and keep stirring it continuously so it doesn’t burn and stick to the sides of the pan.
Some more dessert recipes to enjoy on fasting days -
Paneer Kheer,
Shakarkand Ka Halwa,
Piyush.
Shakarkand Ka Halwa, Faraal Sweet Potato Halwa Recipe
Is Singhada Sheera, Farali Singhara Halwa, Vrat Recipe healthy?
No, this is not healthy. Let's see why.
Let's understand the ingredients.
Benefits of water chestnut, Singhada: Water chestnut is not so high calorie vegetable with some amounts of protein and almost negligible fat. Their high fibre count makes them a suitable of choice for weight watchers. However, its carb count should also be considered. The low sodium and high potassium content is beneficial for those with high blood pressure. The flavonoids present in water chestnuts are considered to be beneficial to the heart and some studies have shown that it can prevent cancer too! These flavonoids are antioxidants which can also help ward off free radicals from the body and reduce oxidative stress. Traditionally, this vegetable is also known to increase fertility in men by enhancing their sperm count. Small amounts of B vitamins along with the antioxidants it possesses can also be beneficial for your skin and hair.
Ghee : Other than calories and fats, the only nutrients that ghee is rich in are the vitamins – all of which are fat-soluble. All the 3 vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin K) are antioxidants which have a role in removing free radicals from the body and protecting our cell as well as help in maintaining skin health and glow. Ghee is an excellent, high-quality selection medium of cooking because of its high smoke point. As compared to most oils and butter, ghee can handle a smoke point of 230°C, 450°F, thus its less prone to oxidant and destruction of nutrients. Yes, ghee does contain cholesterol, but some amount of cholesterol is needed by the body. Cholesterol has some functions to play too. It is necessary for hormone production, brain function, cell health and lubricating the joints. It is, in reality, a high quality fat for the body and brain. Ghee is loaded with fats but that’s medium chain fatty acids (MCT) which aid in weight loss. Ghee is healthy for daibetics in small amounts. Learn to easily make your ghee at home which is free of preservatives. See benefits of ghee.
Almonds (badam) : Almonds are rich in B complex vitamins such as Vitamin B1, Thiamine, Vitamin B3, Niacin and Folate which plays an important role in the brain development. Almonds balances your cholesterol levels. almonds have a very low glycemic index and good for diabetics. See all 13 super health benefits of almonds.
Benefits of Cardamom, Elaichi : Cardamom has essential oil which is known to be effective is killing bacteria. This antimicrobial power of cardamom helps in relieving some stomach problems like stomachache, cramps, flatulence etc. The sweet yet strong aroma of cardamom makes it perfect to control Halitosis (bad breath). The mineral manganese in cardamom may help in the lower blood sugar levels and good for diabetics. See detailed benefits of cardamom.
What's the problem ?
Sugar : Sugar used in the recipe is also called white poison. It is a simple carbohydrate with zero nutritional value. On intake, sugar will cause inflammation of the body which will last for many hours. It will spike your blood sugar level and shut down the fat burning process. This also causes high blood sugar levels in your body. The development of prediabetes comes from uncontrolled eating sugar and refined food products for many years and the classic symptom is if you have excess belly fat. This leads to diabetes and further onwards to heart attack, high blood pressure, strokes, impotence and kidney damage.
Note : 1 cup = 200 ml (standard cup available in the market). The weight in grams varies for each ingredient.
Can diabetics, heart patients and overweight individuals have Singhada Sheera?
No, this recipe is not good for diabetics, heart and weight loss. It is a simple carbohydrate with zero nutritional value. On intake, sugar will cause inflammation of the body which will last for many hours. It will spike your blood sugar level and shut down the fat burning process.
Can healthy individuals have Singhada Sheera?
No, It is not healthy. Better to avoid it.
What is a healthier Indian dessert option ?
We suggest you try low fat gajjar halwa recipe which uses dates as a sweetener along with low fat milk. Make oats and mixed nuts ladoo recipe which is sweetened by jaggery, oats and dates kheer and anjeer and mixed nuts barfi, dates and nut coconut balls, Dry Fruit Stuffed Dates sweetened by dates and zero sugar used, and healthy fig ice cream (not for diabetics).
Low Fat Carrot Halwa, Healthy Gajar Halwa
Try a jowar based Indian dessert which is a complex carb and will be absorbed slowly in the blood stream. The jowar apple sheera recipe is made with the addition of cows milk and apples and sweetened with honey.
How to burn 300 calories that come from one serving of Singhada Sheera?
Walking (6 kmph) = 1 hour 30 mins
Running (11 kmph) = 30 mins
Cycling (30 kmph) = 40 mins
Swimming (2 kmph) = 51 mins
Note: These values are approximate and calorie burning differs in each individual.