Makhana Trail Mix, more popularly known as Makhana Namkeen is a protein rich, gluten free and healthy snack. It is very easy to make this snack at home and what I like best is that this recipe is versatile. One can mix and match any healthy snack ingredients.
What Is Makhana?
In brief, Makhana is the Hindi word for fox nut. Other names are Phool Makhana, Lotus seeds, Gorgon Nut and Euryale Ferox. In fact, the state of Bihar in India produces 90% of the world’s makhana production.
How Do These Lotus Seeds or Makhana Grow?
These protein rich seeds come from prickly water lily. They are grown in ponds or in water fields much like rice paddies. The prickly pods bear the seeds. Seeds left in the ponds from the previous harvest begin to germinate. Large prickly leaves cover the pond within a month or so. Flowerings begins around April – May. Naturally, the flowers stay on the surface for a few days and then submerge in the water.
Fruition
Thereafter, fruition begins. In fact, an average plant can bear 450-700 seeds. Eventually, the fruits burst open in the water and the seeds are released. Obviosuly, they float in the water. But only for a few days. After that they sink to the bottom of the pond or water field. To get to these seeds, the harvesters need to wade through the murky pond water, battling with the prickly leaves, stems and pods. Special reed baskets are used to collect the seeds.
Cleaning & Grading The Seeds
Undeniably, the Seeds collected are very dirty. Obviously, cleaning them in the water is a task. In fact, dead leaves, stems, mud, pond microorganisms all have to be removed. After that the seeds are graded. Afterwards, the seeds are allowed to dry in the sun till 30% of the water content evaporates.
Roasting & Cracking The Shell
Thereafter, the seeds are roasted in iron woks or earthen pots till more moisture evaporates. They have to be stirred continuously. The roasted seeds are then popped. Using wooden mallets the tough outer black shell is cracked to expose the white seeds. As popularity and consumption of makhana seeds increases world over, the process of roasting and popping is getting mechanized.
How Are Makhana Seeds Consumed?
In reality, the white seeds puffy seeds are pretty much tasteless. Definitely the seeds need to be roasted so that they become crunchy. Otherwise it tastes like stale popcorn, soft and chewy. As a matter of fact, makhana in the Indian cuisine is quite popular. It’s used as a snack, in curries and desserts. Not surprisingly, they are so popular as they are rich in protein, dietary fibre, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. Clearly, it has many health benefits and is considered a super food. Indeed, I like making phirni. Check the link below and Makhana Kheer.
THANDAI MAKHANA PHIRNI
Thandai Makhana Phirni is a creamy, delish, cool Indian dessert that can be served during the Festival of Colour, Holi. Easy to make and light too.
Trail Mix is a snack which is prepared by mixing nuts, seeds,dried fruits and sometimes candy.
What Is Namkeen?
In brief, namkeen is the Hindi word for savoury snack. Makhana Namkeen is usually prepared using makhana, nuts, dried fruits and seeds.
Sharing This Recipe With 2024 Alphabet Challenge Group
At this time, we’ve reached halfway through the alphabet. And I am enjoying this challenge so much. In fact, so that I don’t miss out, I’ve scheduled my posts before travelling. This is one of them. Obviously, Letter M is pretty easy, so many dishes and ingredients. Mangoes is what comes to my mind first. I do miss the mangoes from India and Kenya. The Mexican ones I get here, are okay. Actually, I wanted to share Migas, Mexican breakfast dish but then hubby insisted I make some makhana snack. So Makhana it is and Migas will have to wait.
The Alphabet Challenge Journey So Far
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Makhana Trail Mix, more popularly known as Makhana Namkeen is a protein rich and healthy snack. It is very easy to make this snack at home and what I like the best is that this recipe is versatile. One can mix and match any healthy snack ingredients.
Course Snack
Cuisine Indian
Keyword fox nut trail mix, how to make makhana namkeen, how to roast fox nuts, makhana trail mix
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Total Time 20 minutesminutes
Servings 2
Author mayurisjikoni
Ingredients
100gmakhana | fox nuts
¼cupalmonds
¼cupcashew nuts
¼cuppeanuts
2tbspraisins |sultanas
½tspsaltpowdered
½tspred chilli powder
¼tspblack pepper powder
1tbspghee |oil
1sprig curry leaves
Instructions
Melt or heat half of the ghee or oil in a wide pan over medium to low heat.
Add the makhana and roast till they become crunchy.Keep stirring them constantly so that the seeds do not burn on one side.
This process takes about 5-7 minutes. Try and crunch one seed between your thumb and finger. If it crumbles then they are roasted perfectly.
Alternately, you can roast the makhana in the microwave oven for 40 -60 seconds.
As soon as the makhana are ready add the salt, pepper and red chilli powder.
Mix well and remove the roasted makhana into a mixing bowl or a large plate.
Melt or heat the remaining ghee or oil. Add the almonds. Roast them for 2 mins.
Add the cashew nuts and roast for 1 minute. Remember, keep stirring all the time.
Add the curry leaves and peanuts. Roast them for 1-2 minutes.
Finally add the raisins. Roast for 1 minutes.
Add the roasted makhana or fox nuts. Mix well. Turn the heat off.
Adjust the spices and salt according to your taste.
Enjoy the makhana namkeen. Can store it in an airtight container. Stays fresh at least for a month.
Notes
Add nuts of your choice like pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc.
Add dried fruit of your choice. Chopped dried apricots, figs, dried blueberries, goji berries, dried sliced coconut, etc.
Add roasted chickpeas, corn nuts, etc.
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