Singju: Manipur’s most addictive spicy salad, you must experience

New Delhi: Singju is an ethnic spicy salad from the heart of Manipur that celebrates fresh, seasonal vegetables and strong flavours. This crunchy, spicy, and tangy dish originated with the Meitei community and is a popular snack or side dish across this northeastern state. The name singju is derived from two Manipuri words, Manaa-Masing, which translates to green vegetables and Suba, meaning combining. True to its name, Singju can be made with a wide variety of ingredients, though there are two main types.

Singju’s two main types are non-vegetarian or ngari-based and vegetarian or thoiding-besan-based. The first one is the most popular version, relished at homes and sold by street vendors. It features ngari — a Manipuri fermented fish that adds a savoury, umami-rich depth. The second version replaces the fermented fish with a nutty powder made from roasted perilla seeds or thoiding and roasted chickpea flour or besan. It is commonly served during rituals and religious feasts where meat and fish are prohibited. Dive deeper to know about its ingredients and the step-by-step method to prepare it at home.

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Singju can be made with different seasonal vegetables as per the availability, but a combination of the following is common.

1. Base vegetables

Shredded cabbage,

Raw papaya

Thinly sliced lotus stem

2. Exotic additions

Stink beans or yongchaak

Banana flowers

Rice beans

3. Aromatics and herbs

Fresh ginger

Garlic leaves

Onions

Fresh coriander leaves

4. Spices and seasonings

Crushed roasted red chillies

Crushed roasted chickpea powder

Roasted perilla seed powder

Salt as needed

5. For non-veg Singju

Roasted and fermented fish paste

Lemon juice

Here is the step-by-step guide to prepare Singju spicy salad.

1. Thinly slice all the fresh vegetables and herbs.

2. In a tiny bowl, blend the crushed roasted red chillies, roasted chickpea powder or besan, and powdered roasted perilla seeds.

3. Place the prepared vegetables and boiled white peas in a large bowl. Add the seasoning mixture, salt, and lemon juice.

4. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to combine the flavours. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and crunch.

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5. For the non-vegetarian version, add the roasted and fermented fish paste.

Singju is a healthy snack with bold and complex flavours. Either you savour this fiery salad alone or with a main meal, you and your family will certainly enjoy it.