Makhanas, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, are a versatile and nutritious snack. They can be used in a variety of recipes, from simple snacks to elaborate dishes. Here are some easy and tasty makhana recipes that you can try at home.
1. Roasted Makhana
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of makhanas
- 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
Instructions:
- Heat the ghee or oil in a pan on medium heat.
- Add the makhanas and roast them for 8-10 minutes until they become crisp.
- Sprinkle salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder over the roasted makhanas.
- Mix well and roast for another 2-3 minutes.
- Let them cool and store in an airtight container.
Enjoy these as a healthy and crunchy snack!
2. Makhana Kheer
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of makhanas
- 4 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews)
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon of ghee
Instructions:
- Heat the ghee in a pan and roast the makhanas until they turn golden brown.
- Let them cool and then coarsely grind them.
- Boil the milk in a pot.
- Add the ground makhanas to the boiling milk and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sugar, chopped nuts, and cardamom powder.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until the kheer thickens.
- Serve hot or chilled.
This creamy and delicious kheer is perfect for special occasions!
3. Makhana Chaat
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of roasted makhanas
- 1 chopped tomato
- 1 chopped cucumber
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 chopped green chili
- 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and chaat masala to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the roasted makhanas, tomato, cucumber, onion, green chili, and coriander leaves.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and chaat masala.
- Toss well to combine all the ingredients.
Serve this refreshing chaat as a healthy snack or appetizer!
4. Makhana Curry
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of makhanas
- 1 large chopped onion
- 2 chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
- Once they splutter, add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for a few minutes.
- Add the makhanas and mix well.
- Add a cup of water and simmer for 10 minutes until the makhanas absorb the flavors.
- Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Enjoy this flavorful curry with rice or chapati!
5. Makhana Raita
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of makhanas
- 2 cups of yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon of roasted cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Dry roast the makhanas in a pan until they become crisp.
- Let them cool and then coarsely crush them.
- In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
- Add the crushed makhanas, roasted cumin powder, black salt, red chili powder, and salt.
- Mix well and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve this refreshing raita with your meals!
Conclusion
Makhanas are not only healthy but also versatile, making them a great ingredient for various recipes. From simple roasted makhanas to delicious curries and desserts, there are many ways to enjoy this nutritious snack. Try these recipes at home and enjoy the goodness of makhanas in different forms!