Roasted Makhana Recipe

Roasted makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is a popular snack in India. They are derived from the seeds of the lotus flower and are commonly consumed after being roasted to enhance their flavour and texture. Makhana is a popular snack during festivals, served as an offering in temples called Makhana Paag. This can also be enjoyed as a tea-time snack. 

About Roasted Makhana Recipe

This easy easy Roasted Makhana recipe gives you a light and crunchy texture of makhana similar to popcorn but has low calories and fats. They have a mild and neutral flavour, making them a versatile snack that can be enjoyed as is or seasoned with various spices and seasonings.

The roasted Makhana recipe can also be added to other dishes, toppings, or eaten standalone. The roasted Makhana recipe is popularly used in other dishes like Matar Curry, Raita and more. Beginners who don’t know how to make Roasted Makhana can easily cook this in no time. 

Time Required	Difficulty Level	Serves
5 Mins	Easy	1 Bowl, for 1 Person

Ingredients For Roasted Makhana  

The ingredients for making the Roasted Makhana recipe are incredibly simple and require only one item: Makhana (fox nuts). You can choose the desired quantity of makhana based on your preference or the number of servings you wish to make. 

Additional Ingredients: 

• Spices 
• Ghee 
• Chaat Masala

Preparation For Roasted Makhana Recipe

Before you start with the Roasted Makhana recipe, you need to ensure the following preparatory steps:

1. Discard the damaged ones: Inspect the makhana and discard any damaged or discoloured ones. The damaged ones might appear smaller or darker in colour. 
2. Wash them: Take the Makhana in a clean bowl and rinse them with water. Drain the water completely. Spread the Makhana on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and let them dry for 10-15 minutes.
3. Ensure that the makhana is completely dry before proceeding to roast them. Any remaining moisture can hinder the roasting process and affect the final texture.

Method/Steps To Cook Roasted Makhana 

Wondering how to make Roasted Makhana from scratch? Follow these steps to get started with the Roasted Makhana recipe; 

Step 1: If you’ve not prepared the Makhanas, wash them and ensure they are completely dried. 

Step 2: Roasting the Makhana

• Heat a large pan or a non-stick skillet on medium heat.
• Add ghee to the pan and heat it for a few seconds.
• Once the ghee or oil is hot, add the dried Makhanas to the pan.
• Stir and roast the Makhanas continuously to ensure even cooking and to prevent them from burning.
• Roast the Makhana for about 8-10 minutes, until they become crispy. They should turn light golden brown in colour.

Step 3: Seasoning the Roasted Makhana

• Once the Makhana is roasted and crispy, turn off the heat.
• Sprinkle salt over the roasted Makhana and toss them well to evenly mix the salt.
• If desired, you can also add your preferred spices like chilli powder, turmeric, cumin powder, or any other seasoning of your choice. Toss the Makhana again to coat them evenly with the spices.

Step 4: Cooling and Storing

• Allow the Roasted Makhana to cool completely.
• Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or to a zip-lock bag for storage.
• Your Roasted Makhana recipe is now ready to be enjoyed as a healthy and delicious snack. They can be served on their own or used in kheer, as a topping for salads, in dal, or in sabzis. 

How To Make Instant Roasted Makhana At Home (Step Wise)

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to make Roasted Makhana instantly at home. This is a very concise recipe guide, covered in minimal steps.

Steps-1 Heat a pan or skillet over medium heat and add Makhanas to the pan.

Step-2 Dry roast them for about 8-10 minutes, stirring continuously, until they become crisp and light brown.

Step-3 Remove from heat and let them cool.

Your instant roasted makhana recipe is ready to be enjoyed as a healthy snack! Also, you may increase the roasting time based if you like to have crispy makhanas.

Any Alternative To Make Roasted Makhana

The mint leaves add a refreshing and aromatic twist to the Roasted Makhana Recipe, while the spices enhance the flavour profile. Adjust the seasoning quantities according to your taste preferences. Enjoy this delightful and healthy snack! Here’s a how to make Roasted Makhana recipe infused with mint-flavour 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups makhana (fox nuts)
• 2 tablespoons mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) or oil
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala (Indian spice blend)
• 1/2 teaspoon black salt (kala namak) or regular salt
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing) (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Steps-1 Heat a pan or kadai on medium heat and add ghee or oil to it.

Step-2 Once the ghee melts, add the makhana and roast them on low to medium heat, stirring continuously. Roast the makhana for about 10-12 minutes until they turn crispy and light brown in colour. Keep the heat low to prevent burning. Remove the roasted makhana from the heat and let them cool.

Step-3 In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled roasted makhana, chopped mint leaves, chaat masala, black salt, roasted cumin powder, black pepper powder, and asafoetida (if using). Toss well to ensure the makhana is coated evenly with the mint and spice mixture. Alternatively, you can add homemade mint powder to this Roasted Makhana recipe as well as adding chopped mint. 

Step-4 Allow the mint-flavoured makhana to sit for about 10-15 minutes, so the flavours can meld together.

Step-5 Once the makhana is well-coated and flavoured, transfer it to an airtight container for storage or serve immediately.

Your mint-flavoured Roasted Makhana recipe is ready to be served!  

Pro Tips to Make the Best Roasted Makhana at Home

Wondering how to make Roasted Makhanas perfectly? Here are some pro tips to help you make the best-roasted makhana recipe at home:

1. Low Heat and Continuous Stirring: To prevent burning and ensure even roasting, keep the heat on the lower side and stir the makhana continuously while roasting. This helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents any portion from getting burnt.
2. Seasoning Distribution: If using spices or seasonings, it’s best to mix them separately in a bowl before adding them to the roasted makhana. This ensures even distribution of the flavours.
3. Cooling Time: Allow the roasted makhana to cool completely before transferring them to a container for storage. This helps retain their crispiness.
4. Airtight Storage: Store the roasted makhana in an airtight container to maintain their texture and flavour. This will prevent them from becoming stale or losing their crunch.

Nutritional Value in Roasted Makhana 

Serving Size	1 Bowl, 100 g
Calories	347
Proteins	9.7 g
Fibre	15.5 g
Carbohydrates	76.9 g
Iron	1.4 mg

Health Benefits of Roasted Makhana 

Here are some of the key health benefits of consuming Roasted Makhana:

1. Nutrient-rich

Makhana is packed with essential nutrients such as protein, dietary fibre, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. It is also a good source of vitamins like thiamine and riboflavin. It is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as for supporting the growth and maintenance of muscles.

2. Weight Management

Makhana is low in calories and fat while being high in fibre content. The combination of low calories and high fibre helps in promoting satiety, reducing hunger pangs, and supporting weight management goals. 

3. Digestive Health

Makhanas are rich in fibre which aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system. It helps prevent constipation, promotes regular bowel movements, and supports overall digestive health. Just like Makhanas, check out the Top 19 Foods Rich in Fiber to Have Daily. 

The fibre in makhana acts as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a balanced gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in digestion and overall well-being.

4. Antioxidant Properties

Makhana contains antioxidants that help protect the body against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Antioxidants help reduce cellular damage and inflammation, which are linked to various chronic diseases.

5. Diabetes Management

Makhana is a suitable inclusion in a diet for diabetes management. With its low glycemic index, makhana has a slow and gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels. This makes makhana a diabetic-friendly snack option. By incorporating makhana into a balanced diet for diabetes, individuals can enjoy a nutritious snack that satisfies cravings without causing spikes in blood sugar levels. 

6. Bone Health

Makhana is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Regular consumption of makhana can contribute to bone health and prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Adequate calcium and phosphorus intake is crucial for bone development, strength, and prevention of conditions like osteoporosis.

Tips To Limit The Calorie In Roasted Makhana 

Wondering how to make a Roasted Makhana recipe with reduced calorie content? Here are a few tips on how to make Roasted Makhana with low calories;

1. Roast without Oil: Alternatively, you can try dry roasting the makhanas without using any oil. Dry roasting can still yield a crispy texture while reducing calorie intake. 
2. Avoid Added Sugars: If you prefer a sweeter version of the Roasted Makhana recipe, be cautious with added sugars. Instead of coating makhana with sugar syrups or sauces, opt for natural sweeteners like cinnamon or vanilla powder to add flavour without adding unnecessary calories.
3. Use Minimal Oil: When roasting makhana, if you think roasting without oil is not what you prefer, add a minimal amount of oil and use healthy oils like coconut, sunflower, or olive oil. These oils provide a better balance of healthy fats compared to oils high in saturated or trans fats. 

FAQs

What are some other dishes I can make with Makhanas?

The roasted makhana recipe can be used for preparing kheer dessert, added to curries for a unique texture, or in snacks mixed with nuts and dried fruits. You can stuff crushed makhana into parathas for a nutritious twist or use them as a crunchy element in stir-fries. Makhana can even be used in chaat for a tangy and satisfying snack. 

What’s different in the Roasted Makhana Recipe by Livofy?

At Livofy we suggest an easy Roasted Makhana recipe that can be prepared by beginners as well, with all the health benefits the recipe offers. We suggest alternatives, healthy variations, and tips for a perfect Roasted Makhana recipe. 

What is the cooking time for Roasted Makhana?

The cooking time for roasted makhana typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the heat level and the desired crispiness. It’s important to stir continuously while roasting to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Is Roasted Makhana Healthy?

Roasted makhana is indeed a healthy snack option. It is low in calories, fat, and cholesterol while being high in protein, fibre, and various essential nutrients. It can aid in weight management, promote digestive health, and provide antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress.

What is the right time to have Roasted Makhana?

There is no specific “right” time to have roasted makhana. It can be enjoyed as a snack at any time of the day. It can be a great option for mid-morning or mid-afternoon snacks, as it provides a satisfying crunch and helps keep you full between meals.

Are there any side effects of eating Peanut Butter?

Makhana is safe and healthy to consume with minimal side effects. However, some individuals may be allergic to lotus seeds and may experience allergic reactions. Additionally, consuming roasted makhana in moderation is advisable as part of a balanced diet.

How many calories does Roasted Makhana have? 

On average, a 1-ounce (28 grams) serving of plain roasted makhana contains approximately 100-120 calories. The roasted Makhana recipe is a relatively low-calorie snack option, making it a favourable choice for those seeking a nutritious and satisfying snack without excessive calorie intake.

How to make Roasted Makhana recipe interesting? 

Here’s how to make Roasted Makhana interesting- you can experiment with various seasonings and flavours. Try adding spices like chaat masala, chilli powder, garlic powder, or herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also try sweet variations by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a unique twist.

How to make Roasted Makhana recipe healthier? 

Here’s how to make Roasted Makhana healthier- Reduce the amount of oil used for roasting or opt for dry roasting without oil. Additionally, you can add nutritional value by incorporating roasted makhana in a trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. This adds more fibre, protein, and healthy fats to the snack.