How to eat Makhana or Foxnut or Lotus seeds – perfect for your toddler and for adults

Hi Friensd,

Today I am going to talk about the recipe and its benefits on How to eat Makhana or Fox Nuts or Lotus seeds that are perfect for your toddler and for adults.

Makhana is an Indian name for Foxnut. Lotus seeds and Phool Makhana is another name for Makhana.

Makhana is often used in Indian sweets and savories like Kheer(Pudding), Raita(curd salad), Makhana curry(a savory curry made with Makhana), and also as evening snacks.

Makhana has a mild, neutral flavor which makes it ideal for children and for making any type of recipe of it.

You will be surprised to know that Makhana is also used in the form of medicine traditionally.

Well, makhana isn’t as widely available as other nuts are, however you can find them at specialty stores or online.

Have you ever wondered where these foxnuts come from?

Well, as the name suggests, Lotus seeds, these foxnuts are a part of the Lotus flower that is often offered to God. The flower has a lot to offer, including lotus seeds or Makhana.

There are various benefits of Makhana

1. Makhana is a superfood and is rich in several micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, protein, fiber iron and phosphorus.
2. It is high in Antioxidants.
3. It helps reduce inflammation, helps treats arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel diseases.
4. It helps stabilizes blood sugar
5. It supports weight loss
6. It contains anti-ageing properties
7. And last but not the least, promotes heart health
8. Makhanas are gluten free which makes them ideal for those are allergic to gluten.
9. They are low in calories.

There are various ways in which Foxnuts can be cooked and included in your diet.

 3 impressive ways in which you can make Makhana

Makhana Porridge

Ingredients

1 cup Makhana or Foxnuts

5 cashews

Method:

Cut the Makhanas into 2 pieces.

Heat a pan and roast the Makhanas. Ensure that the Makhanas should not burn and remain crispy.

Remove from the pan and let it cool

In the same pan dry roast the cashews.

Remove from the pan and let it cool completely.

Add it to the blender and grind it to a smooth powder

Store it in an airtight container.

To Make Porridge:

Take 2 tbsp in a bowl and add hot water/or any fruit puree

Stir it till no lumps

Tip:

Always check if there are any worms in the makhana before roasting them.

You can add fruit juices/gur/dates to add more flavor to the porridge.

For Adults:

Roasted Masala Makhana:

Ingredients:

3 cups Makhana

¼ tsp Turmeric powder

½ tsp Red chili powder

1 tsp Chat masala

2 to 3 tsp oil or ghee

Salt as per taste

Method:

In a pan, put the oil or ghee and roast the Makhana for 10 to 12 minutes.

Ensure that the makhana is crispy.

Add the spices and salt and switch off the flame to ensure the spices are not burnt.

Lastly, sprinkle chat masala and serve.

Makhana Kheer:

Ingredients:

1 Cup Makhana

5 cups full-fat milk

3 tsp ghee

¾ cup sugar

A few saffron strands

½ tsp nutmeg powder

Pistachios for garnishing

Method:

In a pan, add the ghee and roast the makhana till they are crisp.

Remove it to another dish and let it cool down.

Once the Makhana is cooled to room temperature, grind it to a coarse powder in your grinder.

In a deep saucepan, add the milk and let it come to a boil.

Add sugar and let it dissolve

Now add the Makhana powder and boil it for 15 minutes.

Add the nutmeg powder

By now the milk will thicken.

Remove from the stove and plate in the serving dish

Garnish with saffron and pistachios and enjoy the kheer.

Try out these recipes and let me know in the comment box which one you liked the most.

Comment in case there are any other Makhana recipes which you make at home that I have not included here and I will ensure that it is added here.

Till then

Cheers!

Sapna