½teaspoonsaltif making for vrat, use sendha namak (rock salt)
¼teaspoonblack 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.
You can easily scale the recipe as per your requirement.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.