Roasted Makhana is an instant snack that you may eat whenever you like. Phool Makhana, Fox Nuts, or Lotus Seeds are loaded with nutrients and are a good source of protein, calcium, and iron. Here is how to make these at home.
Here are some more homemade Snack Recipes, that you can eat in between your meals – Jhal Muri, Cornflakes Namkeen, Chivda Namkeen, Cornflakes Chivda, Spicy Kaju Nuts, and Punjabi Namak Pare.
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About This Recipe
Most of us end up feeling hungry in between the meals and tend to eat junk, which we should avoid maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
But then there are snacks, that are healthy, yummy, and also satisfy our hunger pangs. One of them is Makhana, or as it is called Phool Makahan, Fox Nuts, or Lotus Seeds.
Makhana or Lotus Seeds is a great snack to munch on between your meals or to enjoy with your evening cup of tea. They are not only tasty but very rich in protein, calcium, and iron, making them extremely healthy too.
These can also be eaten during fasting and with the Navratri approaching, I thought to post this simple but yummy recipe.
If you like Namkeen kind of snacks more, then you can make Makhana Namkeen as well.
Some other recipes where you can use Foxnuts are:
- Makhana Kheer
- Makhana Raita
- Khoya Makhana Curry
Makhana is known by many names like Lotus Seeds, Fox nuts, Euryale Ferox, Gorgon nut, etc.
These seeds are an important part of Asian medicine and cuisine. These are basically lotus seeds that are shelled, dried, and then sold in the market.
You can find these seeds with brown peel or white. The brown peel lotus seed is harvested once the head of the kernel of the lotus is nearly or fully ripe, however, the white kind of lotus seed is harvested when the kernel head is fully green but has fully developed seeds.
Health Benefits
Foxnuts are low in cholesterol, sodium, and fat, so you can munch them whenever the hunger strikes without any guilt.
They have been proved to be good for people with high blood pressure and heart diseases.
Makhana are gluten-free and rich in protein.
Makhana is rich in calcium, carbohydrates, phosphorous, iron, thiamine, and zinc.
Considered good for diabetic people, keeps the sugar level in control.
Makhana are low in calories, making them great for people who want to lose weight.
In Ayurveda, it is said that it is beneficial for the kidney too.
Ingredients
Makhana – Makhana or Lotus Seeds or Fox Nuts, are a healthy snack that can be munched on whenever the hunger strikes. You just have to roast them to make it crispy and crunchy.
Ghee – Always use ghee to roast the Makhana, as it adds a nice flavour and also gives it a nice aroma. You can also roast them in butter.
Salt & Pepper – Add a little salt and pepper to add a little flavor to the roasted Makhanas.
Step by Step Recipe
Heat ghee in a pan.
Add makhana, salt, and black pepper powder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although Makhana has many health benefits, when eaten in excess, they have certain side effects as well.
Some people are allergic to it and can develop allergic symptoms after eating it.
Fox Nuts help to reduce blood sugar levels in the body. So a diabetic person should consult their physician before consuming it.
Consuming it in excess can lead to constipation, flatulence, and bloating.
Roasted makhana tastes best when they are perfectly crispy. Although you can roast and store them in an airtight container for up to 15 days, I personally feel that the crunch reduces a little with time. I suggest roasting them fresh just before serving.
When the Makhana is crunchy in bite and doesn’t stick to your teeth, that means they are roasted well.
If it sticks, add it in the pan again and roast it for some more time. Always roast the medium on low heat, as they will get brown faster on high heat without getting roasted properly.
Seasoning Variations
Spicy Indian Masala – You can add in some Indian spice powders such as red chilli powder, turmeric powder, chaat masala powder and salt. You can also add lemon juice and give it a mix for a tangy twist.
Peri Peri Masala – Add in some peri peri masala while roasting and give it a proper mix.
Pudina/Mint Masala – Add in dry mint powder, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Give Makhana a mix for Pudina Makhana.
Chocolate – You just have to melt the Chocolate and mix the roasted Makhanas with the sauce. Mix it properly so that all the Makhana gets coated with the chocolate.
Jaggery Sesame – Heat a little ghee. Add in jaggery and let in completely. Add in roasted white sesame seeds, Makhana and mix till the Makhana gets coated properly.
Serving Suggestions
It is a great snack to munch on its own whenever the hunger strikes or can be served along with a cup of Masala Chai or Filter Coffee for you evening snacks.
You can even pack it for your snack box to carry to Office, Picnic, Travel or Road Trips.
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Recipe Card
Roasted Makhana Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Makhana
- 1 teaspoon Ghee
- Salt to taste (If making for fast, use sendha namak)
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper powder (optional)
Instructions
- Heat ghee in a heavy bottom pan.
- Add makhana and salt.
- Add black pepper powder if using.
- Roast for 5-6 minutes on lo wheat till slightly browned and crispy.
- Cool and store in an airtight container.
Rekha Vengalil
Never tired these before and they look so stunning. Well captured
Dnyandeo Sabale
Easy & useful recipe in easy language with nutrition value
Neha Mathur
Thanks 🙂
Dhara Tripathi
Hey Neha, I tried the recipe with black pepper n salt. It’s delicious. Thanks 🙂
Neha Mathur
Thanks for trying Dhara 🙂
Tash
Where do you purchase the seeds to make this!? I’m in the US and can’t find them anywhere
Neha Mathur
You can order online from Amazon or any Indian store near you have them.
Sudhanshu
1) Which Oil is best to use instead of Ghee with Makhana
2) Ghee or Butter roasted Makhana will produce smell if stoted for long.
Neha Mathur
You can use any oil that you like. Do not store for more than a week after frying.