Wholesome Moong Dal Khichdi : A nutritious and comforting one-pot meal. Try our easy recipes for a tasty, quick dinner.

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Wholesome Moong Dal Khichdi : A nutritious and comforting one-pot meal. Try our easy recipes for a tasty, quick dinner.
by [Archana Potdar] · This post may contain affiliate links · 41 Comments
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Phool Makhana is healthy and nutritious and considered a fasting food and an offering made to God. But 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 makhanas snacks are so addictive that my jar is always empty. Perfect with tea, or 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.
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In the past, I used to make this Chatpata Makhana. Then I discovered this vegan low-fat snack when I posted for Foodie Monday Group. Today I am sharing it with my Blogging Marathon friends.
I am redoing my pictures and adding a write-up with alternatives. Also adding my recent video where I have not added any nuts while making this snack.
Make this recipe as it is
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.
Grown widely in Bihar, Manipur, Korea, Japan, and some parts of Russia. Growing, extracting and then processing Makhana is elaborate and needs a skilled workforce. Hence they are 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.
These are the ingredients you will need. For quantities please check the recipe card.
You will need
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.
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.
How much Makhana to eat in a day?
Moderation is the key so eat only 1-2 cups which is about 64 grams.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check the Louts Seeds Recipe without nuts
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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The Girl Next Door says
Such a lovely way to make makhana! My daughter loves them, and I'll surely try making them this way. Sounds spicy and sweet and sour and simply awesome!
ArchanaPotdar says
Thank you, dear.
Sujata Roy says
Masala makhana looks super yummy. Perfect snack for fasting days. I would love to try it soon.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks you, Sujata.
Kalyani says
my little one loves makhana in most forms, and coz of her craze we have started making this often. love the addition of peanuts and cashew nuts here
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.
Mayuri Patel says
The first time I tasted makhana was at the ISCKON temple when they made a makhana curry. Since then have always carried some back home. This time I noticed that all the grocery shops had ready made roasted makhanas and not expensive at all.So much healthier than snacking on chips or other namkeens. Adding nuts makes into a wholesome and nutritious snack.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks.
Poonam Bachhav says
Roasted makhana is a favourite tea time snack at my place. Adding nuts to it makes the snack all the more fully good and nutritious. With amchur powder and red chili seasoning I must have been lip smacking !
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Poonam.
Sujata Roy says
I make fried makhana for my fasting and. But you made it totally guilt free. Honey or maple syrup definitely makes it more yummy. Perfect snack for weight watchers too.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Sujata.
Swati says
I love to munch on roasted makahana even when I am not fasting. Just a pinch of salt is enough for the taste..I like the use of amchur in making the makahna mix with other nuts.. will surely add when I have some roasted makhanas next time.
ArchanaPotdar says
You are like me I just did not realise when I finish the container.
Vidya Narayan says
Roasted Makhana is a hit favourite at home whether fasting or not! What I loved is the maple syrup addition so apt for those who like their chivda slightly sweet and salty.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Vidya.
Veena Krishnakumar says
I love roasted makhana and this has added nuts in it. Looks too inviting
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Veena.
Preethi Prasad says
Loved the way you have explained about the goodness of Makhana.Roasted Makhana can be eaten absolutely guilt free.Addition of Maple syrup sounds interesting. I can wipe off the whole bowl of nuts.
ArchanaPotdar says
Join the gang Preethi.
seema sriram says
Adorable bowl to snack on with tea. I like that there is a bit of tang from the amchoor. that will make a lot of flavour in it.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Seema.
Sujata Shukla says
Glad to know your Site is up and running again, and you are able to focus on blogging! My grandchildren (the ones in India) regularly have roasted makhana at snack time, of course without the chilli powder, as they are very young. I think I would enjoy this as a snack, specially with the amchur powder giving its own flavour to the makhana nuts mix.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Sujata I in love with the makhana as it is a fast 'making'snack.
Sasmita Sahoo Samanta says
This guiltfree option is such a nice idea ... Love these crunchy munchy at any time of the day 🙂 amchur powder and chilli powder must be adding a lovely flavor to this snack 🙂
ArchanaPotdar says
Thanks, Sasmita I liked the flavours in your place too.
Mayuri Patel says
Love makhana so much, makes an ideal tasty snack option that is not only healthy but versatile too. I love how one can add so many different spice mixtures and flavours. Today only made some with podi masala.
ArchanaPotdar says
I must try with podi masala. Will taste yum.
Seema Sriram says
As I am currently recovering from the unspoken! All I think of is things to eat in small portions. The masala makhana sound slides perfect portion ad it will keep me going for sure.
ArchanaPotdar says
Get well soon, Seema. Wish we were close by and I could send some across.
Jayashree T.Rao says
Love makhana, it makes a good snack for mid-day hunger pangs. I liked your recipe which has varied flavours, in it. I am sure it tastes great.
ArchanaPotdar says
Thank you, Jayashree.
Kalyani says
this is on my bi-weekly snack making exercise at home, we. keep experimenting with flavours - peri peri./ cheese / salted... I know how delish and addictive these makhanas are ..
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 Thanks, Kalyani.
Renu says
Love phool makhana as a snack, filling and healthy. I am loving the addition of red chili powder here, as nowadays I crave for salty and spicy foods, and this looks perfect for me to try on.
ArchanaPotdar says
😀 do try Renu!
Priya Srinivasan says
Oh my god archana, I have a makhana craze at home, my lil one can finish a big dabba in one sitting!! these masala makhana with peanuts and maple syrup sounds sooo tempting, i will make this for him , he will be excited to try a different flavor of his favorite snack!
ArchanaPotdar says
You can steal some too, Priya! 😀
Radha says
Amazing! I have never tried makhana. I got a bag of it this week and making it following your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Srividhya Gopalakrishnan says
Love the healthy makhana with added nuts. Never tried adding maple syrup. It's more like khatta meetha makhana right?
ArchanaPotdar says
Only sweet and spicy I like your idea of adding khatta lemon will do the job well.