Phool Makhana Snack Recipe

This is a healthy and tasty masala makhana snack recipe. This nutritious roasted makhana snack is also vegan and low-fat.

Phool Makhana is healthy and nutritious. It is considered a fasting food and an offering made to God. However, the health benefits of this superfood are huge. Make this snack, which you can adjust to suit your taste.

Also called fox nuts, these can be flavoured and served as a snack. How about peri-peri, masala twist or honey chilli-flavoured makhana?

These Makhana snacks are so addictive that my jar is always empty. They're perfect with tea or as a study-time snack now that exams are fast approaching.

Other healthy snacks you can make are Oven Roasted Honey Chilli Almonds, Poha Chivda a Gluten-free Snack.

Contents

• Phool Makhana Snack Recipe and me
• Why MSK Lotus Seed Snack recipe
• So what is Makhana?
• How to make Gorgon Nut Snack
• For Your Questions
• Some Snacks we love
• Recipe card
• Pin for later

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Why MSK Lotus Seed Snack recipe

Make this recipe as it is

• Simple
• Delicious
• Versatile
• Healthy
• Can be customised to suit your taste
• Can be doubled or halved as needed

So what is Makhana?

The botanical name of makhana is Euryale ferox and the common names are fox nut, gorgon nut or phool makhana. It is also called Lotus seed as it is a seed of a special species of water lily.

Makhana is grown widely in Bihar, Manipur, Korea, Japan, and some parts of Russia. Growing, extracting, and then processing Makhana is elaborate and requires a skilled workforce, so it is expensive.

These seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients and one of the Indian superfoods.

Makhana is not just a dry fruit that is best for a namkeen snack. They are used to make curries, thicken them and make kheer. You can also make bhel, or a chaat when fasting. However, my next try will be Phool makhana salad.

Let us check out the benefits first.

• Makhna is rich in fibre, protein, carbohydrates, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. 
• Since they are full of fibre it good for bowel motions and aid the kidneys in their functions.
• They have a low glycemic index which is good news for diabetic persons.
• Add makhana to your diet if you suffer from high blood pressure, obesity and heart ailments. As they are high in magnesium and low in sodium and cholesterol.
• Since the calorific value is low they are a wonderful for weight watchers.
• Foxnuts are also gluten-free and protein-rich.

How to make Gorgon Nut Snack

These are the ingredients you will need. For quantities please check the recipe card.

Ingredients:

• Makhana seeds
• Peanut  roasted
• Cashew Nuts
• Cumin powder
• Chilli powder
• Amchoor powder
• Salt 
• Salt to Taste
• Maple syrup

Method:

• Add the peanuts to a thick wok and roast them on low flame till you get a lovely aroma. There are brown spots on the nuts. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• Add the makhana to the pan.
• Dry roast the makhana for 10 minutes on a low flame stirring constantly.
• When done you should be able
  • The makhana has shrunk a bit and its colour has changed, or
  • to crush the seed between your fingers, or
  • when you bite into the makhana there is a crunch to it.
• Now, add the cashew nuts and roasted peanuts. 
• Roasted cumin seeds powder, amchoor powder, rock salt and salt and mix well.
• Switch off the flame and add red chilli powder. This way the chilli powder does not burn and also you do not cough.
• Add the maple syrup and mix well till all the makhana are coated with the masala. You will need about 2-3 minutes.
• Transfer to an air-tight container when cool.

Substitutes:

• Use honey in place of maple syrup. Of course, then it will not be a vegan recipe then.
• Use chaat masala, peri-peri, cream and onion, tomato and chipotle flavours.
• Use clarified butter/ oil to roast the makhana.
• In case you are allergic to nuts avoid them.

Variations:

• I made this roasted makhana without nuts and honey we loved it.
• How about tempering with oil, mustard and green chillies as we do for poha chivda?
• Add the roasted makhana to your salad.

Equipment:

You will need

• Wok
• Ladle
• Bowl/jar to store

How to serve:

• There is no serving as such for my makhana just disappears from the pan into someone's tummy. But serve this delicious phool makhana with tea or coffee.
• You can pack these in your kid's snack box. Your snack at 11 am with a glass of chilled lemon barley drink.

How to store:

• There is a serious problem with storage you will never find them in the jar. But you can store it once the makhana cools down in an air-tight container.

For Your Questions

Protips:

• Roast the gorgon nut or phool makhana on low flame well. A well-roasted fox nut is crunch roast it well.
• The salt, sweetness and spices and combos are your preferences.
• Lotus seeds are consumed for fasting, yes they are part of Vrat ka khana.
• I have not used any oil or ghee in this batch today.  I prefer to use clarified butter or ghee but you can use coconut oil or olive oil if you are vegan.
• If making a big batch of makhana snacks do not crowd the pan. Do it in batches.
• Use an air-tight container and use it within a week and keep the container well covered. Since these get soggy fast in our humid weather I prefer to make smaller batches.
• Use a dry spoon to get the makhana out of the container.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is Low Fat Phool Makhana snack good for weight loss?

   

   Makhna is rich in fibre, protein and carbs. Also on iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc.  So this homemade snack in will satiate you without adding very many calories, the best way to lose weight.

2. How long can I store  Low Fat Masala Makhana?

   

   Makhanas are best consumed within a week. However, store them in a dry airtight container at room temperature. Remember to cool the makhana to room temperature before adding it to the container. This will prevent the makhana from getting soggy and soft.

3. How much Makhana to eat in a day?

   

   Moderation is the key so eat only 1-2 cups which is about 64 grams.

4. How do I achieve the perfect crunch for my makhana?

   

   Use a thick-bottomed pan or wok. Dry roast the makhana for 10 minutes on a low flame. The test for a perfectly crunchy makhana they have shrunk a bit and are a shade browner. You should be able to crush the seed between your finger and when you bite into the makhana there is a crunch to it.

5. Can I include Makhana in my diet when pregnant?

   

   Of course, they add a lot of nutritional value to your diet. Lotus seeds enhance the Development of the Foetus and boost the growth of the baby. 

6. Can I include Phool Makhana in my babies, toddlers or kids' diet?

   

   Of course, include them in your children’s diet. If your baby is about 10-11 months add a few roasted foxnuts to the snack bowl. Keep an eye on them they should not choke on them. For my kid I did not add any spices or salt she enjoyed them. For a toddler or kid as an after-school snack and a glass of milk are perfect.

Some Snacks we love

Summary:

Since Makhana is rich in fibre, protein and carbohydrates. Has several micronutrients like iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc it is healthy.  As a snack, it will benefit people trying to lose weight and diabetics as it has a low glycemic index. People suffering from heart ailments and blood pressure issues benefit too. Roasted fox nut snacks are ideal for babies, toddlers, pregnant women and old alike.

Featured Video:

Check the Louts Seeds Recipe without nuts

Recipe card

Nutritional Disclaimer: I am not a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Please check with your nutritionist for your dietary needs and restrictions. Ultimately you are responsible for your decisions.

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