Roasted makhana recipe | Masala Foxnuts

Roasted makhana recipe or masala fox nuts recipe- This masala roasted makhana snack is healthy, delicious, flavourful snack to munch on. Perfect alternative to crisps and other store bought snacks. With it innumerable health benefits across all ages, you do need ways to eat more and more foxnuts!

With Diwali approaching, roasted makhana with masalas is the perfect addition to your festive snack table.

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What are Foxnuts or Phool Makhana ?

Foxnuts (puffed lotus seeds) popularly known as Phool makhana or makhana in hindi (also that’s what these are called in India) are a very popular food had during religious fasting in India.

The reason being makhanas are not considered  a grain, but a seed.

Makhanas are derived from Lotus seeds. Also known as lotus seeds, Gorgon nut, Euryale Ferox, this is a non-cereal nut, these are grown in the stagnant water of wetlands, tanks, ponds lakes and ditches.

It is mainly grown in  India, Korea, China, Japan and Russia.

This is a native Asian lotus flower water plant and is mainly cultivated for its edible seeds. These are the edible seeds of lotus flower. Once the flowers bloom and their petals fall off, they reveal a seed pod at the center.

These seeds are dried and roasted on high heat to make the puffed lotus seeds, that is then used as phool makhanas or foxnuts.

Health benefits / Nutrition in Makhana

Phool makhana are highly highly nutritious. If added to your regular diet these seeds are very beneficial for your health.

Health benefits of phool makhana are superior to those of dry fruits such as almonds, walnuts ,coconut and cashew nuts in term of sugar, protein, ascorbic acid and phenol content. 

Nutrition in makhana includes being low in calories, high in protein, and rich in magnesium, potassium, and iron. They are also gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them an excellent choice for weight-watchers, diabetics, and anyone looking for a healthy munch,sugar free , vegan diet.

Fox nuts are used in many dishes in India. They are also considered as very pious food and used during many holy rituals.

Some of the other nutritional benefits of makhana are below

• Its low sodium and high magnesium content makes it beneficial for those suffering from heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.
• Phool makhana contains  anti-aging enzymes, which are said to help repair damaged proteins.
• Its glycemic index is significantly lower than most high carbohydrate foods like rice, bread, etc.
• It can also treat insomnia, palpitations and irritability.
• Foxnuts are known to strengthens the heart.
• It is also helpful in anemia.
• According to the Chinese medicine, fox nut or Makhana is used to strengthen spleen and kidneys.
• Because of its innumerable nutritional benefits makhanas are highly recommended for the women during pregnancy and postnatal period.
• Makhana regulates blood pressure, relieves numbness and aching near waist and knees.
• It increases moisture level in body tissues.
• Phool makhanas or foxnuts also help to lower the blood sugar levels, so a healthy snack for diabetics.

Ways to add Makhana seeds to your diet.

Makhanas can be eaten raw, roasted, fried or ground. You can roast them using any of the methods described below, and make this masala makhana recipe or you can store roasted phool makhanas to be used in your makhana recipes

It can be added to soups, salads , curries, rice or other dishes. You can make makhana curry, makhana pulao, makhana chaat.

Makhana kheer is a perfect dessert during fasts or even otherwise. Makhanas can be sweetened and caramelised along with dry fruits using gur to make sweet makhanas and makhana puddings.

Also if ground foxnuts can be added with other gluten free flours to enhance its benefits. My mum grinds roasted foxnuts and adds to warm milk. It tastes delicious and is very healthy too.

The benefits of this little puffed nut are innumerable, and this should be added in our routine diet, to  make sure our body gets all the nutrients from this

How to roast makhana ?

• Oven method– Preheat oven @180C. Layer the founts in a single layer and put in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. Check after 5 minutes, mix them and keep in the oven again for another 3-5 minutes. When done these will be slightly golden and crispy.
• Microwave method– In a microwave safe bowl, heat the fox nuts for about 30 seconds, take these out, mix and heat again for another 30-40 seconds.
• Pan method– You can dry roast in a non stick pan or roast them with a little ghee for about 8-10 minutes. Keep stirring in between so that the fox nuts do not burn.

Adding ghee/ coconut oil enhances the taste of the fox nuts, and its seasoning, so in my recipe for masala makhanas I have roasted these in a pan with some ghee.

I roasted these using ghee, but  if you do not want to use ghee, another healthier alternative would be to use coconut oil.

Using coconut oil will make these vegan masala makhana. For my cooking I use vita coco EV raw organic cold pressed coconut oil–

Masala Makhana recipe

The below masala makhana snack recipe is really simple, and all you need to do is roast the foxnuts using any of the above methods and add the masalas, seasoning/ condiments.

The masalas or seasoning that I’ve prepared is a bit tangy and spicy, but you can make a number of seasonings as per your taste.

To make these masala makhana snack heat ghee and roast the makhanas using any of the above methods.

Add turmeric powder and roast for 10-12 minutes,till these start getting a little golden and crispy.

Make the seasoning- Mix all the dry ingredients together- salt/ pepper/chilli powder/ black salt powder/amchoor powder/roasted cumin powder and dried crushed mint leaves.

Add the seasoning to the foxnuts and mix /shake well.Keep it in an airtight container, and it will be good to munch in for months.

The simplest would be to roast foxnuts  with a little turmeric in a little ghee or coconut oil as per the below method in the recipe section, and add just salt and pepper as per your taste.  This can be used as a very healthy snack for your toddlers. My 2 year old loves having this.

You can even add chilli flakes, or chilli powder to make this spicy .

The detailed recipe of tangy roasted fox nuts, that I usually make is below.Enjoy the recipe, and do let me know in the comments section how it turns out.Also try different seasonings to make a variety of snacks!!

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Masala Makhana & Flavored Makhana Variations

While plain salted roasted makhana is a classic, the real fun begins when you start experimenting with flavors. The most popular version is masala makhana which is this recipe.

However if you enjoy experimenting, you can take it a step further and make flavored makhana. Try peri peri seasoning for a fiery twist, Italian herbs with cheese powder for a fusion snack, or even caramelized makhana for a sweet treat. The possibilities are endless, and each version is just as quick and easy to make.

SaveSaveRoasted Makhana as a Diwali Snack

With Diwali approaching, roasted masala makhana is the perfect addition to your festive snack table. Traditional Diwali snacks are usually deep-fried, but roasted makhana gives you that same festive crunch without being heavy or oily.

You can prepare a big batch of masala makhana or experiment with different flavored makhana varieties in advance, store them in airtight jars, and serve them to guests during the celebrations. Not only are they delicious, but they also balance out the richness of mithai like ladoos, kaju katli, or barfi.

If you’re looking for gifting ideas, roasted makhana makes for a thoughtful and healthy Diwali gift. Pack them in small glass jars, festive boxes, or decorated pouches, and you’ll have a unique edible gift that your friends and family will truly appreciate.

If you try this and like this recipe, please rate it by clicking the stars below. And don’t forget to like , share the recipe and tag us on Instagram or Facebook using #frombowltosoul_ and #frombowltosoul . Please Comment below for any queries, suggestions and ideas .I would love to hear from you.

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