Try these recipes featuring water chestnuts
What's the story
If you are a fan of Asian cuisine, you would know that water chestnuts add a satisfying crunch to many dishes. Their crisp texture and subtle sweetness enhance everything from salads to appetizers, etc. You can find them in many Asian dishes, but they can be used in so many other recipes too. Here are five recipes that highlight this ingredient's versatility.
Stir-fry
Stir-fried vegetables with water chestnuts
Stir-fried vegetables with water chestnuts is a quick, easy dish that showcases the natural flavors of fresh produce. Start by sauteing your choice of vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots) in sesame oil. Add sliced water chestnuts for an extra crunch and finish with soy sauce for seasoning. This dish makes for a perfect side or main course when served over rice or noodles.
Fresh salad
Water chestnut salad with citrus dressing
A refreshing salad with water chestnuts can be both nutritious and delicious. Just mix some greens, sliced cucumbers, some cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced water chestnuts in a bowl. Toss the salad with a citrus dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for added zest. The crispiness of the water chestnuts goes beautifully with the freshness of the greens.
Savory dip
Creamy spinach dip with water chestnuts
For an appetizer that's sure to please at any gathering, try making creamy spinach dip with chopped water chestnuts. Mix cooked spinach with cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and finely chopped water chestnuts for texture. Bake until bubbly and serve warm with crackers or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Stuffed peppers
Stuffed bell peppers with rice & water chestnut filling
Stuffed bell peppers stuffed with rice and diced water chestnuts make for an enticing meal option that's both filling and delicious. Prepare your favorite rice mix by adding sauteed onions along with diced tomatoes before stirring in chopped water chestnut pieces into it all together inside halved bell peppers, then bake till perfection!
Crunchy snack
Crispy baked water chestnut snacks
Crispy baked snacks using whole peeled canned varieties is another way to enjoy these delightful treats! Just coat each piece in a lightly seasoned flour mixture, wash, then roll them around in breadcrumbs before placing onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at a moderate temperature until a golden brown, crispy goodness emerges, ready to munch away anytime hunger strikes!