Makhana, also known as fox nuts, is a popular snack that has gained popularity in recent years, especially among those looking for a healthy snack option. Makhana is a low-calorie and high-protein snack that is also rich in several essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, making it a perfect snack for weight loss.
Makhana is considered a superfood for weight loss because of its high protein content, which helps keep you full for a longer time, reducing the urge to snack on unhealthy foods. Additionally, makhana is low in calories and fat, making it a perfect snack for those on a weight loss journey.
In this fast-paced world where people are constantly on the go, snacking has become a crucial part of our daily routine. However, most of the snacks available on the market are high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, making it difficult to stick to a healthy diet plan.
By incorporating makhana into your daily snack routine, you can snack your way towards a fitter you without compromising on taste or nutrition. In this way, makhana has emerged as a popular and healthy alternative to traditional snacks like chips, biscuits, and namkeens.
So, here are 10 simple and easy-to-make makhana recipes that will help you in your weight loss journey.
Makhana Chaat
Makhana chaat is a delicious and healthy snack that is made with puffed lotus seeds, or makhana. This chaat is a great source of protein and fibre.
To make makhana chaat, roast the makhana in a pan until they become crispy. Then, mix them with chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumber, coriander leaves, and a sprinkle of chaat masala. Add a dash of lemon juice for some tanginess, and mix well.
Makhana chaat is a great alternative to traditional chaat, as it is light and low in calories, making it the perfect snack for those who are health-conscious but still want to indulge in something delicious.
Makhana Raita
Makhana raita is a refreshing and healthy snack or side dish that is perfect for any Indian meal. Made with yoghurt and puffed lotus seeds, or makhana, this raita is a great source of protein and calcium.
To make makhana raita, roast the makhana in a pan until they become crispy. Then, whisk together some plain yoghurt, roasted cumin powder, salt, and sugar. Add the roasted makhana to the yoghurt mixture and mix well. Garnish with some chopped coriander leaves, and serve chilled. Makhana raita is a great accompaniment to any spicy Indian dish, as it cools down the palate and adds a nice crunch to the meal.
Makhana Soup
Makhana soup is a healthy and flavourful soup that is perfect for chilly evenings. Made with puffed lotus seeds, or makhana, this soup is rich in protein, fibre, and antioxidants.
To make makhana soup, you need roasted and crispy makhana. Then, heat some oil in a pan and sauté some finely chopped onions and garlic until they turn golden brown. Add some finely chopped vegetables, like carrots and celery, and cook for a few minutes.
Add some vegetable stock, roasted makhana, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, and then blend it in a blender until smooth. Makhana soup is a low-calorie and comforting meal that is ideal for a healthy dinner.
Makhana Tikka
Makhana tikka is a delicious vegetarian alternative to the popular chicken tikka. To make makhana tikka, roast the makhana in a pan until they become crispy.
Then, in a bowl, mix together some hung curd, ginger-garlic paste, and spices like coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Add the roasted makhana to the mixture and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Skewer the marinated makhana and grill or bake them until they turn golden brown. Serve hot with mint chutney and sliced onions.
You can even add some bell peppers, onion chunks, and tomatoes to marinate and skewer the makhanas to make the tikka more nutritious. Makhana tikka is a perfect appetiser or snack that is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Makhana Bhel
Makhana bhel is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic Indian street food, bhel puri. Made with puffed lotus seeds, or makhana, this is an alternative to the regular bhel made with puffed rice.
To make makhana bhel, mix together some roasted puffed makhana, sev, chopped onions, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, and roasted peanuts in a large bowl and mix well. Add some tamarind chutney and green chutney, along with a sprinkle of chaat masala and lemon juice. Mix well and serve immediately.
Makhana Chivda
Makhana chivda is a crispy and crunchy snack that is perfect for munching anytime. Made with puffed lotus seeds, or makhana, this chivda is a healthy alternative to traditional deep-fried snacks.
To make makhana chivda, roast the makhana in a pan until they become crispy. Then, in another pan, heat some oil and add some mustard seeds and curry leaves. Add some roasted peanuts, roasted chana dal, and some sliced coconut. Add the roasted makhana and mix well. Add some spices like red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container and munch on it whenever you crave something crunchy.
Makhana Salad
Makhana salad is a healthy and refreshing salad that is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. To make makhana salad, first roast the makhana in a pan until they become crispy. In a large bowl, mix together some chopped lettuce, cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, and boiled chickpeas.
Add the roasted makhana to the mixture and mix well. For the dressing, mix together some olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix well. Garnish with some chopped coriander leaves, and serve immediately. Makhana salad is a perfect dish that is both healthy and delicious and can be customised according to your taste preferences.
Makhana Stir-Fry
Makhana stir-fry is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. To make makhana stir-fry, first roast the makhana in a pan until they become crispy. In a separate pan, heat some oil and add some chopped garlic and ginger.
Add some sliced vegetables, like bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms, and cook for a few minutes. Add the roasted makhana and mix well. Add some soy sauce, chilli sauce, and salt, and mix well. Garnish with some chopped scallions and serve hot with rice or noodles.
Makhana Khichdi
Makhana Khichdi is a delicious and healthy dish made from fox nuts and rice that is popular in many parts of India. It is a perfect dish for those who are looking for a light and nutritious meal that is easy to make.
To prepare this dish, rinse and soak 1 cup of rice for about 20 minutes, then heat a tablespoon of ghee or oil in a pressure cooker and add cumin seeds, bay leaves, and other spices of your choice. Add the soaked rice and roasted makhana to the pressure cooker, along with 3 cups of water and salt to taste. Cook the mixture for 2-3 whistles, or until the rice is cooked. Serve hot with some yoghurt or pickles on the side for a tasty and nutritious meal.
Makhana Ladoo
Makhana Ladoo is a healthy and tasty dessert made from fox nuts, nuts, and seeds that is popular in many parts of India. This dessert is perfect for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth without using sugar or jaggery.
To make this delicious dessert, roast 2 cups of makhana in a pan until they turn crispy and golden brown. Then, add 1 cup of chopped nuts and seeds of your choice, such as almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds, to the pan and roast them for a few minutes. Let the mixture cool, and then grind it into a coarse powder.
Next, heat 2-3 tablespoons of ghee or coconut oil in a pan and add the powdered mixture along with 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder. Mix well. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into small balls, or ladoos. You can also roll the ladoos in desiccated coconut for added flavour and texture. Store the makhana ladoos in an airtight container for up to a week and enjoy them as a healthy and guilt-free snack or dessert.
Incorporating makhana into your diet is a great way to promote weight loss. Makhana is low in calories, high in protein, and has many other health benefits. From salads to stir-fries, soups to chaat, there are many delicious and healthy makhana recipes to choose from. So, try adding makhana to your diet today and enjoy the benefits of this nutritious and versatile ingredient.