Makhana Recipe

“Makhana provides lightness and crunchiness while maintaining sattvic properties

3 Recipes With Makhana 

Recipe 1 :

Kesar Makhana Kheer

 Serves: 3

This dessert with makhanas and almond milk has a light and creamy texture.

Ingredients

1 cup

makhana

(fox nuts)

3 cups almond milk

6 to 8 saffron strands

½ tsp cardamom powder

3 tbsp date paste (or jaggery powder)

2 tbsp chopped almonds and pistachios

Method

  1. Dry roast the makhana in a pan until it becomes crispy. Grind half the makhana into coarse pieces while keeping the other half intact.
  2. Heat the almond milk, adding the saffron strands and cardamom powder, until it reaches a soft boiling point.
  3. Simmer the mixture for 10 to 12 minutes to achieve a thick creamy consistency. Add the crushed makhana and date paste.
  4. Garnish the kheer with the remaining makhana pieces and chopped almonds and pistachios.
  5. Serve the kheer warm or chilled.  

Recipe 2 :

Spiced Makhana Chivda

 

Serves: 4 

This crunchy snack maintains energy levels and satiety.

Ingredients

2 cups makhana

2 tsp coconut oil

10 to 12 curry leaves

1 green chilli, slit

2 tbsp dried coconut flakes

1 tbsp pumpkin seeds

Sendha namak (black salt) to taste

¼ tsp black pepper

Method

  1. Dry roast the makhana to golden brown crispiness.
  2. Heat the coconut oil and add the curry leaves and green chilli for a brief period. Take off the flame.
  3. Mix in the coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds and roasted makhana. Add the sendha namak and black pepper, and toss well. 
  4. Store in an airtight container. 

Recipe 3 :

Vegetable Makhana Tikki Make: 8 to 10 tikkis

 

These tikkis are crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Ingredients

1½ cups

makhana

, roasted and ground to a coarse flour

2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed

¼ cup grated carrot 

¼ cup grated bottle gourd (lauki), squeezed to remove the excess water

2 tbsp chopped spinach

2 tbsp roasted and crushed peanuts

 

1 green chilli, finely chopped

2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

Sendha namak (black salt) to taste

2 tbsp coconut oil for shallow frying

Method

  1. Mix together the makhana flour, mashed potatoes, grated carrot and bottle gourd, chopped spinach, crushed peanuts, chopped green chilli, chopped coriander leaves, and sendha namak.
  2. Shape the mixture into small tikkis.
  3. Heat the oil in a pan and shallow fry until golden on both sides.
  4. Serve hot with coconut or mint chutney. 

Recipe 4 :

Roasted Makhana Namkeen

If you are looking for a munching snack during Navratri, roasted makhana namkeen is a must-try. Foxnuts are dry-roasted in ghee until they turn crisp and then tossed with some rock salt, black pepper, and some curry leaves. If you want to have some extra crunch and a nutty taste, you can even add some roasted peanuts or cashews. You can even make this namkeen in an air fryer to get more crunch in every bite. Roasted makhana namkeen is a guilt-free snack that is high in protein and low in calories, making it ideal for keeping hunger pangs at bay. Pack it in airtight containers, and it works as an on-the-go energy booster during the busy festive days of Navratri.  

Recipe 5 :

Makhana Tikki

Makhana tikki gives a crispy twist to vrat-friendly snacking. To prepare this tikki, crush some foxnuts and mix them with boiled potatoes, green chillies, sendha namak, and mild spices and then shallow-fry until it gets a beautiful golden colour. These tikkis are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a tempting festive appetiser. Serve them with green chutney or dahi-based dip; these tikkis are fulfilling and can be enjoyed as a light meal as well. High in protein and fibre, makhana tikki keep you full of energy while adhering to fasting rules.  

Recipe 6 :

Makhana Curry

If you are looking for a wholesome meal to relish during Navratri, then makhana curry is a perfect option. Roasted foxnuts are boiled in a mildly spiced yoghurt and tomato-based gravy prepared with sendha namak, ginger, and some green chillies. The makhana soaks up the creamy flavours of the curry beautifully, which results in a dish that goes amazingly with samak rice or kuttu pooris. Rich in taste and vrat-friendly, this curry is a satisfying main dish to enjoy during Navratri. Not only is it light, but its nutritious profile ensures you feel full and energetic without feeling too heavy on digestion.  

Recipe 7 :

Makhana Ladoo

 

Makhana Ladoo is prepared by grinding roasted foxnuts and binding them with jaggery or sugar, ghee, and some dry fruits. It is a sweet treat filled with the goodness of nourishment. Rolled into bite-sized balls, these ladoos not only give a festive feeling but are also a great energy booster during fasting. They can be stored well for a longer time, which also makes them a handy sweet to prepare and keep in advance. Nutty, crunchy, and mildly sweet, makhana ladoo is ideal for those who want a wholesome dessert that feels light while being rich in protein and calcium.