The seeds of the lotus plant – called Foxnuts or Gorgon Nuts – were always quite commonly used in North Indian households. Called Phool Makhana or simply Makhana in Hindi, the seeds are typically used to make Makhane Ki Sabzi (a gravy-based curry), Makhane Ki Kheer (a sweet dish), Makhane Ka Rayta (a yogurt-based dish), or Phool Makhana Namkeen (roasted and salted foxnuts). Considering that they are a ‘seed’ and not a ‘grain’ per se, they are extensively consumed in North India during fasts, too. Today, with the growing awareness about the numerous health benefits of foxnuts, they have begun to be considered as a ‘superfood’, with people the world over beginning to use them in various forms.
Makhana or foxnuts are low in calories, fat and sodium, but rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and calcium. This makes them a great snacking option for those in-between-meals hunger pangs. Moreover, they are low in glycemic index (GI) and gluten-free, due to which they are just right for diabetics and weight-watchers. The high potassium and magnesium content in foxnuts helps regulate blood pressure, regulate kidney functions, and control heart diseases. They are rich in a flavonoid called kaempferol too, which has a positive effect on inflammation and also slows down the process of ageing. Foxnuts grow organically, without the need for any pesticide or fertiliser, and hence perfectly safe for consumption.
Makhana was something I would only ever occasionally pick up while grocery shopping, before the bub happened. Then, one fine day, the bub tried some roasted makhana and the world changed for us. It instantly became one of her favourite foods, and stays so till date. And, then, makhana began to inevitably wrangle its way into our shopping bags regularly. 🙂 I must say I haven’t experimented with the seeds much – I use them only to make a simple roasted namkeen, the way the bub likes it. This Phool Makhana Namkeen or Roasted Foxnuts Recipe is what I am about to present to you today.
Let’s now check out the Roasted Foxnuts Recipe, shall we?
Ingredients (serves 2-3):
- 3 cups foxnuts or makhana
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Method:
- Heat ghee in a pan.
- Lower flame to medium and add in the foxnuts. Roast on medium flame till the foxnuts get crisp, 6-7 minutes. You must stir intermittently, to avoid burning. The foxnuts are done when you press one between two fingers and it does not crumble.
- At this stage, turn flame to low. Add salt to taste and the turmeric powder to the pan. Mix well for about a minute, ensuring that all the foxnuts are evenly coated with the salt and turmeric powder. Avoid burning. Switch off gas.
- This Phool Makhana Namkeen can be served hot, immediately. If you plan to store it for later use, allow it to cool down completely before transferring to a clean, dry, air-tight container.
Notes:
- You can use oil, butter or ghee to make this Phool Makhana Namkeen. I prefer using ghee.
- You can add other ingredients like red chilli powder, amchoor powder, garam masala and/or chaat masala to the Phool Makhana Namkeen. There are other flavour combinations that you can explore too – garlic, tomato, onion, peri peri and the likes. I prefer keeping it really simple, as the bub likes it this way.
- The Phool Makhana Namkeen stays well for up to 10 days when stored at room temperature, in a clean, dry, air-tight box.
- You can mix the salt and turmeric powder in a little oil and then add it to the pan, to ensure even spreading. I usually don’t do that, and add them in directly.
- For the best Phool Makhana Namkeen, roast the foxnuts on a medium flame to avoid burning, stirring intermittently . Add in the salt and turmeric powder after turning the flame down to low.
- You may use more ghee if you so prefer.
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This post is for the A-Z Recipe Challenge. Every alternate month, the participants cook with an ingredient beginning with a particular letter of the English alphabet. This month, we are cooking for the letter F. I chose ‘foxnuts’ aka makhana or phool makhana as my star ingredient for the theme.
I’m sharing this recipe with Fiesta Friday #265. The co-hosts this week are Laurena @ Life Diet Health and Kat @ Kat’s 9 Lives.
Wonderful snack in place of popcorn, thanks for sharing the health benefits.
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@Megala
Glad you liked the post!
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I have never heard of foxnuts, but I would definitely try this recipe! Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday!
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@Kat
Foxnuts aka makhana are commonly used in Indian food. Thanks to the many health benefits they possess, they are being touted as a ‘superfood’.
Do try this out, if you can get your hands on some foxnuts. I’m sure you’ll find them, and will love this dish too.
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I’ve never heard of fox nuts BUT, yesterday I discovered lotus seeds, which I’m guessing are the same thing!? We tried some dusted in cacao, some with a vegan cheese powder and some with a tomato herb concoction. I love the sound of your version and I’ve just had a look to see where I can get some! Hopefully everyone will love these as you make them sound like a tasty healthy snack. Thanks for linking up and sharing at Fiesta Friday.
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@Life Diet Health
Yes, foxnuts are the same as lotus seeds! 🙂 I hope you will try out this version soon. Awaiting your feedback.
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I love simple roasted Makhanas and how lovely that I shared the same recipe. I just sprinkle some chaat masala too 🙂 They are so healthy and delicious that I wonder why we don’t see them more often
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@Ashima
Awww! This is a huge hit at our place, especially with my little daughter. We make it quite often. 🙂
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All time favourite snack. Specially for fasting days. I would love to try it with little black pepper powder.
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@Batter Up With Sujata
I have never tried making this with black pepper – should try that out! 🙂
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I love using makhana in salads, kheer and as a snack. Unfortunately we don’t get them in Kenya, so have to stock up from India. This time round I saw all the small grocery shops selling flavored makhana as snack. What a wonderful low calorie healthy snack.
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@Mayurisjikoni
I haven’t experimented much with makhana, to be honest, though I know it is highly nutritious. This roasted makhana snack is something I make often, because my daughter adores it. 🙂
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This is one of my go to snack at times , and I tell my kids it is Indian popcorn. I just roast it with ghee, but liked your idea of adding turmeric as well. Will try it next time.
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@Renu Agrawal Dongre
It is ‘Indian popcorn’ for sure – healthy and nutritious and easy to make. 🙂
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This is such a simple yet healthy and tasty snack. Perfect and guilt free snack to munch on. I didn’t know that it stays well for 10 days!!
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@Geetha Priyanka
Thank you! It is indeed quite a healthy but delicious snack. And, yes, it definitely stays well for over a week. 🙂
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Roasted makhana is my favourite tea time snack . Like your daughter my son also loves them to the core. This super food is so versatile that I add them to my curries, kheer, and chivda too !
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@poonampagar
Awesome! I should try out more dishes using makhana!
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There is a jar of Makhana always in my pantry. Our Go to snack for mid morning slump or something to nibble with chai.
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@Vidya Narayan
The bub makes sure we do, too! 😀
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Roasted foxnuts are always available on hand in my home as a quick snacks. I make them in a whole lot of flavours as takes my fancy.
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@Aruna
The simple version of roasted makhana, with salt and turmeric powder, is a big favourite at our place. I haven’t yet experimented with other flavours – should do!
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This one is in my to do bucket list for a quite long time. Healthy snack to munch on.
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@Niranjana Sankaranarayanan
Do try this out some time. It is ridiculously easy. 🙂
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I love makhane in this simple form only, especially for fasting days. I usually roasted in desi ghee, sprinkle salt in it and enjoy as a snack with my tea. I liked your idea of adding turmeric as well. Will try it next time.
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@JollyHomemadeRecipes
Thank you! I love these simple roasted makhana too. 🙂
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Ahaaa I just love these crunchies particularly the nakin flavor I like most …. Perfect share dear
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@Sasmita Sahoo Samanta
Thank you! 🙂
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Love this snack .. so light and healthy .. I make it often.
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@Shobha Keshwani
All of us at home love it too! 🙂
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This is an easy jar snack I will love to keep for the kids too. Namkeen and chai is perfect.
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@Seema Doraiswamy Sriram
Definitely!
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