Exploring the Versatility of
Jicama
in Indian Cuisine: A Fibre-rich Veggie

7 min read

Posted on 23/05/2024

Article

Health

Recipe

Jicama

Quick Summary

The versatile jicama is a crunchy and slightly sweet root vegetable that can enhance traditional Indian dishes. You can add it to a variety of recipes, including salads, chaats, curries, raitas, and pickles, adding both unique textures and nutritional benefits. This blog provides tips on creating healthier versions of popular street foods using jicama, making your snacks more nutritious without sacrificing flavour. Additionally, you'll discover the numerous health benefits of jicama, such as its low-calorie content and that it is high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

Deep Dive

When it comes to Indian cuisine, the vibrant flavours and diverse range of ingredients create a tasteful experience like no other. While staples like rice, lentils, and spices take centre stage, a lesser-known vegetable deserves some attention — jicama, or as it is commonly known, sakhalu. Known for its crunch and mild sweetness, jicama can add a refreshing twist to traditional Indian dishes while providing a healthy dose of fibre. In this article, we will explore the versatility of jicama and how it can be incorporated into various Indian recipes.

Jicama — A Mexican Delight in Indian Cuisine

Jicama, also known as "yam bean" or "Mexican turnip," is a root vegetable native to Mexico and America. It has a crispy texture, similar to water chestnuts, and a slightly sweet flavour. While it may not be a traditional ingredient in Indian cuisine, its versatility and nutritional profile make it a great addition to a variety of dishes.

Add Some Jicama Crunch in Salads and Chaats

Indian salads and chaats are known for their burst of flavours and textures. Jicama adds a delightful crunch to these dishes, making them even more satisfying. Peel and julienne jicama and add it to your favorite chaat recipes, such as bhel puri or papdi chaat. The mild sweetness of jicama pairs well with the tangy tamarind chutney and aromatic spices commonly used in Indian chaats.

A Jicama Twist to Traditional Curries

Curries and sabzis are at the heart of Indian cuisine, and jicama can bring a unique twist to these traditional dishes. Its mild flavour and ability to absorb spices make it an excellent addition to curries. Consider adding jicama to a mixed vegetable curry or a spiced potato sabzi. The crunchy texture of jicama provides a pleasant contrast to the softness of other vegetables.

Cool and Cruchy — Jicama in Raita

Raita, a yoghurt-based condiment, is a staple in Indian meals. It helps balance the spiciness of curries and provides a cooling effect. Jicama can be grated or finely chopped and added to raita to enhance its texture and flavour. Its refreshing crunch adds a unique twist to the traditional cucumber or tomato raita.

Pickled Perfection of Jicama

Indian pickles and chutneys are known for their bold and tangy flavours. Jicama can be used as a base for making delicious pickles and chutneys. Its mild sweetness balances the tanginess of ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or tamarind. Try making a jicama and mango pickle or a jicama and mint chutney to enjoy with your meals.

Street Food With a Jicama Twist

Indian street food is a culinary adventure in itself, and jicama can be a star ingredient in recreating these flavours at home. Use jicama slices as a base for toppings like spiced chickpeas or crispy sev to create a healthier version of popular street food snacks like dahi puri or sev puri. The crispiness of jicama adds a delightful texture to these savoury bites.

The Nutritional Boost of Jicama

Apart from its versatility in Indian cuisine, jicama offers several health benefits. It is low in calories and high in fibre, making it an excellent choice for weight management and digestive health. Jicama also contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium. Its natural sweetness makes it a healthier alternative to traditional Indian snacks that are high in refined carbohydrates and sugars.

Jicama Magic: Transforming the Traditional Indian Kitchen Game

Adding jicama to Indian dishes is a chance to explore new flavours and add a nutritional punch to traditional recipes. Whether you choose to use it in salads, curries, chutneys, or as a standalone snack, the versatility of jicama allows you to experiment and create unique combinations. Don't be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and discover the wonderful ways jicama can elevate your Indian culinary experience.

blurb

Jicama is a crunchy, low-calorie veggie packed with fibre and vitamin C. It is great for your gut, immune system, and skin.

Jicama has a high water content, which contributes to its hydrating properties. It can help quench your thirst and refresh you, especially during hot summer days.

Jicama is high in inulin, a prebiotic fibre that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, reducing the risk of developing obesity, heart disease and diabetes.