Roasted Phool Makhana is an instant snack that can be served any time of the day whenever hunger strikes. Here is how to make these at home (vegetarian, gluten-free).
Here are some more homemade snack recipes that you may like – Makhana Namkeen, Jhal Muri, Cornflakes Namkeen, Chivda Namkeen, Cornflakes Chivda, Spicy Kaju Nuts, and Punjabi Namak Pare.
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What Is Makhana
Also called Fox Nut, Phool Makhana, Lotus Seed, Gorgon Nut, or Euryale Ferox, Makhana is an aquatic plant that grows in marshes, ponds, and lakes in the Indian subcontinent.
The plant produces a flower that blooms once every twelve years. Each plant can produce up to 1000 fruits (or seeds) which are then harvested.
The seeds are shelled, dried, and then sold in the market.
These seeds are an important part of Asian medicine and cuisine.
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.
You can use makhana to make many dishes. Some of my favorites are – Makhana Kheer, Kesar Makhana Phirni, Makhana Raita, and Makhana Namkeen.
Health Benefits Of Makhana
Phool Makhana is a good source of protein, fiber, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. It is also low in calories and fat.
Makhana has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is known for its many health benefits. Some of the health benefits of Makhana include:
1. Boosting energy levels: Makhana is a good source of carbohydrates and proteins, which are essential for boosting energy levels.
2. Improving digestion: Makhana helps to improve digestion by acting as a prebiotic and promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
3. Aiding weight loss: Makhana is low in calories and fat, making it an ideal food for those trying to lose weight.
4. Reducing inflammation: Makhana contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
5. Improving heart health: Makhana is a good source of potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Additionally, the magnesium and phosphorus in Makhana can help to improve heart health by reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks.
6. Boosting the immune system: Makhana is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which can help to boost the immune system and protect against diseases.
7. Supporting bone health: The calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in Makhana can help to support bone health and prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
8. Reducing stress: Makhana contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
9. Preventing cancer: The antioxidants in Makhana can help to protect cells from damage and prevent the development of cancerous tumors.
10. Improving brain function: The nutrients in Makhana can help to improve cognitive function and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
About This Recipe
Roasted Phool Makhana is a healthy and delicious snack that can be had any time of the day, whenever hunger strikes.
It is also a great snack to serve with evening tea or coffee.
These roasted foxnuts are vrat (Hindu fasting days) friendly too. You can serve them for Navratri, Shivratri, Janmashtami, or any other vrat.
You can easily scale the recipe as per your requirement.
Ingredients
Makhana – You will find these at any Indian grocery store or online.
Ghee – Try to use ghee to roast the makhana as it adds a nice flavor and also gives a nice aroma. You can also roast them in butter or extra virgin olive oil.
Salt & Pepper – Add a little salt and pepper to add a little flavor to the roasted makhanas.
You can replace regular salt with black salt. Use rock salt (sendha namak) if making it for vrat days.
You can also add some red chilli powder while roasting.
How To Make Roasted Makhana
Heat 1 teaspoon ghee in a heavy bottom pan over medium-low heat.
Note – Roasting on medium heat is very important. If you roast them on high heat, they will not be crunchy from the inside.
Add 2 cups of makhana, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder to the pan and mix well to coat each makhana with ghee.
Roast until the makhana are lightly browned (3-4 minutes), stirring frequently.
Remove on a plate and let them cool down to room temperature. The makhana will become crunchy as they cool down.
Perfectly roasted makhana must be crunchy in bite and shouldn’t stick to your teeth. If they are sticking to the teeth, then add them to the pan again and roast them for some more time.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container and munch whenever you want to.
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 reduce blood sugar levels in the body. So a diabetic person should consult their physician before consuming it.
Consuming it in excess can also lead to constipation, flatulence, and bloating.
Yes, you can. Toss the makhana with ghee, salt, and pepper and add them to the basket of the air fryer. Air fry at 160 degrees C for 4-5 minutes, toss, and air fry for another 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy.
Seasoning Variations
I like to season my roasted fox nuts with just salt and pepper, but you can make many variations by changing the seasonings. Here are some options.
Spicy Indian Masala – You can add in some Indian spice powders such as red chili powder, turmeric powder, chaat masala powder, and salt. You can also add lime 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 lime juice.
Chocolate – You just have to melt the chocolate and coat the roasted makhanas with it.
Jaggery Sesame – Heat a little ghee in a pan. Add crushed jaggery (or jaggery powder) and melt completely. Add in roasted white sesame seeds, and makhana and mix till the makhana gets coated with jaggery.
You can also add some tomato powder, sour cream, and onion powder or wasabi powder while roasting the fox nut.
Serving Suggestions
These puffed lotus seeds are a great snack to munch on their own whenever the hunger strikes or can be served along with a cup of Masala Chai or Filter Coffee for your evening snack.
You can even pack it for your snack box to carry to Office, Picnic, Travel, or on Road Trips.
Storage Suggestions
Roasted makhana seeds taste best when they are served right out of the pan. However, you can roast and store them in an airtight container for up to 15 days. If they are not crunchy anymore, then roast them once again and serve.
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Recipe Card
Roasted Makhana Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- 2 cups makhana
- ½ teaspoon salt (if making for vrat, use sendha namak (rock salt))
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
Instructions
- Heat ghee in a heavy bottom pan over medium-low heat.
- Note – Roasting on medium heat is very important. If you roast them on high heat, they will not be crunchy from the inside.
- Add makhana, salt, and black pepper powder to the pan and mix well to coat each makhana with ghee.
- Roast until the makhana are lightly browned (3-4 minutes), stirring frequently.
- Remove on a plate and let them cool down to room temperature. The makhana will become crunchy as they cool down.
- Perfectly roasted makhana must be crunchy in bite and shouldn’t stick to your teeth. If they are sticking to the teeth, then add them to the pan again and roast them for some more time.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container and munch whenever you want to.
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.