Hollow Water Chestnut Fritters with Tamarind Chutney

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp, hollow fritters made with grated water chestnuts and potatoes, served with a tangy-sweet tamarind sauce. This indian-inspired street food ready in about 55 minutes pairs Water chestnut, Potato, Gram flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and grate 1 cup water chestnuts. Boil 2 medium potatoes until tender, then mash until smooth.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the grated water chestnuts, mashed potatoes, 1/4 cup gram flour, 2 tablespoons rice flour, 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; mix in 2 tablespoons water to form a stiff dough.
  3. Step 3: Divide the dough into 12 portions, roll each into a ball, and flatten into 1/4-inch-thick discs.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 inch vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry discs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and puffed, then drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: For chutney, combine 2 tablespoons tamarind paste, 2 tablespoons jaggery, and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes until jaggery dissolves, then stir in 2 chopped green chilies and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; cook for 1 minute more.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hollow Water Chestnut Fritters with Tamarind Chutney take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hollow Water Chestnut Fritters with Tamarind Chutney?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep water chestnut from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hollow Water Chestnut Fritters with Tamarind Chutney?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hollow Water Chestnut Fritters with Tamarind Chutney for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hollow Water Chestnut Fritters with Tamarind Chutney?

Indian street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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