Spicy Masala Makhana or Roasted Phool Makhana Masala is a healthy instant flavored snack recipe that is made up of makhana (lotus seeds or fox-nuts) and a few spices in just under 10 minutes.
Phool Makhana, Fox Nuts, or Lotus Seeds are loaded with nutrients and are a good source of protein, calcium, and iron. These are good healthy snacks for kids and adults.
In India, makhana is generally served during fasting as it contains all the required nutrients during fasting.
So I have been making these flavored Phool makhana recipes snacks at home like makhana chivda, caramel popcorn, mint (pudina) makhana, peri peri makhana, and my daughter loves all these varieties.
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What is Makhana?
Makhanas are popularly known as lotus seeds, fox nuts, Euryale Ferox, gorgon nuts, and phool makhana. It’s actually the puffed lotus seeds or the puffed fox nuts that have high nutritional and medicinal values and are mostly grown in the state of Bihar in India.
Makhana Health Benefits
Makhanas are packed with the goodness of protein, potassium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, iron, and zinc. These essential nutrients make this munchy a perfect go-to healthy snack.
Here are a few health benefits which will convince you to add them to your diet.
- An anti-aging enzyme in these seeds is said to help repair damaged proteins.
- They are low in calories, making them an ideal snack for weight loss.
- Recommended for diabetics, too, due to their low glycemic index.
- They benefit those suffering from high blood pressure, heart diseases, and obesity due to their high magnesium and low sodium content.
- Source food.ndtv.com
Ingredients for making Masala Makhana
- Makhana: I used plain phool makhana (or lotus seed). Makhanas are easily available in Indian grocery stores. Even though the package says roasted makhana, I highly recommend pre-roast before using them.
- Ghee (or oil): Ghee gives a nice flavor, but you can also replace it with coconut oil or any vegetable oil if you are a vegan.
- Spices: red chilli powder, turmeric powder, chaat masala powder, and black salt.
How to Make Spicy Masala Makhana Recipe
How to Roast Phool Makhana:-
Heat ghee in a pan and add Makhana. Roast them on very low heat for 4-5 minutes until they crisp; keep stirring them in between so that Makhana doesn't burn.
To check if they are roasted properly, just take one Phool makhana in hand and crush it. If it breaks nicely with a crunching sound, they are perfectly roasted.
Now transfer roasted lotus seeds to a plate and let them cool.
Add the ghee to the same pan on low flame, add red chili powder, turmeric powder, chaat masala, black salt, and mix well quickly. Be sure not to burn the spices.
Add the roasted makhanas. Toss them for about 2 minutes, till the spices are well coated.
Let the Makhana cool to room temperature. You can serve this roasted makhana masala immediately or store it in an airtight container for later use.
Serving Suggestion
These roasted makhanas are the perfect healthy snack to munch when hunger strikes. You can also serve this snack with your evening masala tea or coffee or pack it for the school snack box. A great option for travel too.
Tips & Variations for Spicy Masala Makhana
- Adjust the salt and spices according to your preference.
- Cook on low flame to get the perfect texture and taste.
- You can use your favorite combination of spices, as mentioned above.
- You can eat foxnuts during vrat (or fasting).
- If you are making it in bulk, do it in batches.
- If you are vegan, you can replace ghee with coconut oil or olive oil.
- You can store masala makhana in an airtight container for a week at room temperature. They get soggy and don't taste well, if exposed to air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crispy Masala Makhana stays fresh for a week when you store them in a clean and dry airtight container at room temperature.
Makhanas are packed with protein, potassium, iron and are low in sodium, and calories. Also, eating homemade roasted makhanas is healthier than store-bought ones as they are high in salt and trans fat.
One to two handfuls of Makhana should be ok and enough to give you positive health benefits.
More Makhana Recipes
More Healthy Snack Recipes
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Spicy Masala Makhana Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups makhana/foxnut/lotus seed
- 1 tablespoon ghee (or oil), divided
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon chaat masala powder
- ¼ teaspoon black salt
Instructions
- How to Roast Makhana:- Heat ghee in a pan and add Makhana. Roast them on very low heat for 4-5 minutes until they are crisp, keep stirring them in between so that Makhana does not burn.To check if they are roasted properly, just take one Phool makhana in hand and crush it. If it breaks nicely with a crunching sound that means they are perfectly roasted. Now transfer roasted lotus seeds to a plate and let them cool.
- Add the ghee to the same pan on low flame, add red chili powder, turmeric powder, chaat masala, black salt, and mix well quickly. Be sure not to burn the spices.Add the roasted makhanas. Toss them for about 2 minutes, till the spices are well coated.
- Let the Makhana cool to room temperature. You can serve it right away or store in airtight container for later use.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the salt and spices according to your preference.
- Do everything in low flame to get the perfect texture and taste.
- You can use your favorite combination of spices as mentioned above.
- You can eat foxnuts during vrat (or fasting).
- If you are making in bulk, do it in batches.
- If you are vegan you can replace ghee with coconut oil or olive oil.
- You can store masala makhana in an airtight container for a week at room temperature. They get soggy and don't taste well if exposed to air.
Aaravkrishna says
Nice recipe...will try @ home
bhavana says
thank you ,please share your feedback after trying the recipe.