Makhana-The Superfood.. Health Benefits of Fox Nut with recipes fasting and for everyday snacking or meals..

Makhana or Lotus Seeds also known as Fox nuts are commonly consumed during fasting days in India due to its nutritional value. Do not go by the look and the small size of Makhana, these are nutrient rich and packed with minerals, vitamins and proteins.

It is gluten-free, purely a plant based ingredient.

Benefits of Foxnuts/Lotus Seeds

Recent researches have shown that these puffed fox nut seeds( Makhana) is one of the super foods native to India.

Apart from being the rich sources of proteins, carbohydrates and fibers, these are also the store houses of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. No wonder, people consume these during fasting period to replenish the loss of vital nutrients during resources from the body .

The low sodium and fat content and high magnesium content makes these ideal for consumption by those suffering from heart diseases and cholesterol problems. These seeds are also known to have the anti-aging effects , repair the damaged proteins.(Source: various online resources)

How to consume Fox Nuts

Makhana or Lotus Seeds can be consumed not only during fasting days but also for everyday meals and snacks.

My kids love to have butter roasted Makhana for evening snack. They say it tastes just like butter popcorn. Instead of giving store-bought chips and cookies include makhana, puffed rice, mixed trails and flattened rice flakes (poha chivda) in your kids diet for snacks and meals.

One of the best ways to consume these humble seeds is by roasting these in very little ghee or oil and seasoning with salt(sendha namak/rock salt during fasting period). Shortly will be doing a separate post for the roasted makhana in different seasonings, spicy, sweet, garlicky not only for fasting days but for everyday munching.

Here I bring you a collection of recipes from my blog with Foxnut / Lotus Seeds that can be you can consume not only for fasting days but also for everyday snacks and meals.

Makhana Namkeen..

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.

Makhana Panjiri

Makhane Ki Panjiri, a mix of nutritious ground Makhane(Lotus Seeds) and nuts with Edible Gum and Jaggery.

Makhana Panjiri made without whole wheat flour is mostly prepared and consumed during fasting period. It can also be consumed during non-fasting period. The amount of ghee used in preparing Makhana Panjiri is also less compared to the Whole Wheat or Atta Panjiri. Edible Gum, nuts and makhana make it an ideal winter time snack especially for growing up kids.

Dry Fruits aur Makhane Ki Kheer

Makhane ki Kheer...pudding prepared with Makhane/Fox nuts in thickened milk made especially during fasting festivals/days like Navratri, Shivratri, Krishna Janmashtami.

Filling and nutritious Makhane Ki Kheer with nuts of your choice. It can be relished warm or chilled as per your liking not only during fasting days but also on regular days during everyday meals for dessert.

Makhane Matar aur Kaju Ki Subzi

Makhane Matar Aur Kaju Ki Subzi,a no-onion no-garlic curry with Makhana/Lotus Seeds, Peas and Cashew nuts in tomato gravy. Enjoyed with p. chapatis or paranthas.

An ultimate delight from North Indian states especially U.P and Bihar. The dish is mostly prepared during festivals, functions and parties for special occasions.

Gur Makhana

Caramelized Makhana in jaggery/gur and sesame seeds/til with spices like fennel seeds and dry ginger powder. Iron and antioxidant rich Gur Makhana.

Aloo Makhana Kaju Pops

A light and delicious snack made with very little oil to go with your evening chai time.

Makhane Ka Raita..

Makhana Raita, chilled raita/yogurt preparation with roasted and crushed Makhana Seeds along with herbs like mint and coriander. A cooling side dish with meals or for fasting days. An easy way to include makhana in your everyday meal. Pan roast makhana, in very little ghee or oil(optional), crush it and top it on any raita or plain yogurt/dahi.

Will update the recipe soon.

Few more healthy recipes with superfoods from the blog-- Power Packed Homemade Granola, Ragi and Dry Fruit Nuts Ladoos, Oats and Jaggery Ladoos, Sprouted Moong and Quinoa Dosa, Flax Seeds Chutney Powder(Also ki Chutney), Kale Brownies

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