Makhana Namkeen, a healthy mix of roasted makhana(fox nut/lotus seeds) with nuts like cashew nuts, raisins.
It is commonly made as a snack item for evening tea and also during the fasting festivals like Navratri and Shivaratri. This healthy and tasty snack can also be served to your guests, given to kids to satisfy their hunger pangs or packed while travelling.
A gluten-free healthy snack for everyday and everyone.
What is Namkeen
Namkeen, meaning in Hindi language is something savoury. In India is referred the savoury snacks (fried or roasted) that are served with tea and also eaten to satisfy the salty cravings. Namkeen are mostly dry snacks that fried and can be stored for over a month's period depending on the ingredient used. Some common and popular namkeens are various forms of bhujia(chickpeas noodles), dry fruit mixtures, Poha Chivda(roasted flattened rice mixture with dry fruits), Chana Murmura and many more.
Today I am here with recipe of a very easy namkeen/snack made with mix of Makhana(fox nuts), dry fruits(like raisins,cranberries) and nuts and seeds(like cashew nuts, sunflower seeds). This is a no fuss recipe is ready within minutes. Add the ingredients as per your choice and availability. I have used Fox nuts(Makhana), Cashew nuts, Cranberries, Raisins with some sunflower seeds. This is one the dry snacks that I make in rotation to Poha Chivda and Chana Murmura. These come in handy during their exam time when they need something filling and nutritious to munch on while studying, during their vacations or while travelling when they need have the cravings to just munch on something. Grown ups can pack for their snack time and munch while on work.
How nutritious is this trail mix
The nuts and seeds and the seeds used in this trail mix are healthy, gluten-free and suitable for vegans. These are rich in antioxidants, minerals like potassium, copper, magnesium, calcium and selenium. Makhana or fox nuts are rich in fibre and proteins and have anti-ageing properties and helps in balancing the sugar levels.
Stepwise Pics to make Makhana Namkeen
Makhana Namkeen(Fox Nut Trail Mix)
Ingredients
- 1.5 Cup Makhana/Fox Nuts/Lotus Seeds
- 1/2 Cup Cashew Nuts
- 1/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds/Melon Seeds/Pumpkin Seeds
- 1/4 Cup Raisins and Cranberries
- 1 tsp Chaat Masala or Amchur Powder(Dry Mango Powder)
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder optional
- 1 tbsp Fennel Seeds
- 1 tbsp Ghee/Oil
- Salt as per taste
- 1/4 tsp Sugar
- 3-4 Curry Leaves
Instructions
- In a kadhai or heavy bottomed pan dry roast makhanas. Check by crushing Makhana between index finger and thumb. It should be crisp. Once done take out in a dry bowl and keep aside.
- In the same pan, add ghee, add curry leaves, cashews, seeds with red chilli powder and roast till they give aroma.
- Add makhana, raisins and cranberries and mix in the dry spices(chaat masala, salt and sugar).
- Mix well till the spices coat the nuts and seeds. Keep the flame to medium and take care not to burn the nuts and seeds.
- Take out in a bowl or plate and store in an airtight container once completely cool down.
Notes
- For fasting days add Sendha Namak. You can also avoid the dry masalas as per your dietary preferences.
- Add any nuts/seeds of your choice. You can Almonds and pistachios and peanuts also.
- If having nut allergies, add only seeds.
- If Chaat Masala is not available to you, mix 1 tsp of cumin powder and 1 tsp of amchur(dry mango) powder.
- Avoid Red chilli powder or add as required when making for kids.
So make this healthy trail mix for any time munching, pack it while travelling or during fasting. Store it in an airtight container, it stays good for over a month, but trust me, it finishes off well before time.
Linking this easy and no fuss Makhana Namkeen to Srivalli’s Kid’s Delight event, guest hosted by Renu themed on Travel food.
Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing this BM#98
Also, linking the post to A-Z recipe Challenge group, where the letter this month is 'F'. Here all the fellow bloggers will be sharing dishes that have the main ingredient that starts with letter F and my ingredient is FoxNut (Makhana).
Hope you will like my way of making this Makhana Namkeen(Fox nut Trail Mix). Check out my other recipes with Makhana.. Makhane Matar aur Kaju Ki subzi(Uttar Pradesh Special), Dry Fruits aur Makhane Ki Kheer and Makhane ki Panjiri.
Also linking this to Angie's Fiesta Friday#266 where co-hosts this week areLaurena @ Life Diet Health and Jhuls @ The Not So Creative Cook.
Also, whenever you try the recipe, I will love to hear/share your feedback or any queries in the comment section below. I will try to answer your queries as soon as possible.
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Thanks for stopping by!! Keep coming back!!
Swati
Seema Doraiswamy Sriram
I totally want this. I so adore this combo of nuts, cranberries pumpkin seeds and will add makhaa from now on.
Suma Gandlur
This sounds like tadkewali trail mix. All the goodies in this mix makes a great snack to munch on anytime
Swati
Thanks Suma!!
Sasmita Sahoo Samanta
Ahaaa, m just stunned at this click !!! lovely capture and I love to munch this right away ?
Swati
Thanks Sasmita!!
JollyHomemadeRecipes
Wow!! Another interesting, innovative and yummy makhana recipe. I love dry fruits in namkeen.I am dying to try it and have this deeelicious makhana namkeen. Can we replace cashews with almonds, I am not a big fan of it. Super YUM!
Swati
Thanks Jolly!! Yes you can add or omit whatever ingredients as per your liking and dietary requirements..
Paarul
The healthy snack to munch on and the addition of seeds make this trail mix more healthy one! Great for busy days or travel.Awesome share.
Niranjana Sankaranarayanan
Loved the way you have explained this recipe. Addition of nuts and dry fruits makes it more healthy. Guilt free snack to munch on.
Geetha Priyanka
This colourful trial mix sounds healthy with all the goodness of dryfruits, seeds and nuts. Who want a store bought namkeen when we can make such a healthy and tasty snack at home. Surely a double treat for kids.
Aruna
I just make roasted foxnuts, but you have elevated it to another level by making it a trail mix.
Swati
Thanks Aruna!!
Vidya Narayan
Healthy munching especially on fast days. I fast once a week and have this stored in the pantry so that my day is sorted and I am not low on energy levels. I particularly loved the addition of the seeds variety, brings out the health element even more!
Swati
Thanks Vidya, yes the tiny nibbles do add to the crunch and nutrient value!!
Ashima
This trail mix is so much healthier than shop bought ones. Like Renu said, I also usually make simple roasted makhanas but this trail mix is great for taking on travels and also to pack in lunch boxes.
Renu Agrawal Dongre
wow love the different ingredients you have used in this roasted makhana making the whole dish more healthier. I just roast it with plain ghee and a bit of salt. Would love to try your verison.
poonampagar
Love how colorful the makhana Namkeen looks Swaty with all the nuts, dry fruits and seeds going in with makhana ! A guilt free treat for all ages !
Swati
Thanks Poonam.. true it’s a treat for everyone!!
harini
Wow! Making a trail mix is a brilliant idea. Healthy and filling for sure.
mayurisjikoni
Swati love how you've mixed nuts, seeds and dried fruits to the makhana. makes it more interesting and healthy. I just bought some makhana, will add other ingredients too this time.
Batter Up With Sujata
Wow Swaty makhana mixture sounds super tempting. Loved the use of dry fruits in it. I love raisins in namkeen. Also a yummy treat for fasting days. Loved it.
Swati
Thanks Sujataji!! We also love raisins and kaju in namkeen mixture especially the kids..
Jayashree
Lovely snack to binge anytime. Ideal for weight watchers too.
Shobha Keshwani
Healthy and guilt free snack for munching at tea time..
Swati
True Shobhaji!!
Rajani
This is definitely a good alternative to store bought trail mixes. Love the sweetness coming from the dried fruit bits too.
Swati
Thanks Rajini!!
Life Diet Health
Swati this looks like a great mix - I still need to find plain lotus seeds! Thanks for linking up and sharing at Fiesta Friday.
gayathriraani
Such a power packed namkeen. Addition of dry fruits make it colourful too. With a cup of coffee this would taste fantastic.
Megala
Now I can replace popcorn with these healthy namkeen. 🙂
The Girl Next Door
At home, all of us are big fans of simple roasted makhana with salt and turmeric. This trail mix is something else altogether - with cranberries, raisins, cashewnuts, fennel and sunflower seeds going in, I can imagine just how flavourful it would be! I'd love to try this out sometime soon. 🙂
Swati
Thanks Priya.. donut the mix with fennel seeds it adds flavor to it..
Samira Gupta
Definitely a no fuss recipe. Very well explained especially the meaning of Namkeen and the translations of bhujia, poha etc.