Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, has been a staple in Indian households for centuries. While our grandmothers praised it for its health benefits, modern nutritionists back them up with science—these crunchy bites are packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making them an ideal snack for weight loss, heart health, and overall well-being.
But let’s be honest—simply roasting makhana with salt gets boring after a while. So, let’s shake things up with five delicious and healthy makhana snack recipes using Chukde Spices Phool Makhana that go beyond the usual. These aren’t just random recipes; they are tried, tested, and loved, straight from my kitchen to yours!
1. Spicy Masala Makhana – The Perfect Tea-Time Snack
When I first experimented with masala makhana, I wanted something flavorful yet light enough for a guilt-free evening snack. This spicy version has just the right balance of heat and tanginess.
Ingredients:
2 cups makhana
1 tsp ghee (or olive oil for a vegan option)
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp red chili powder
½ tsp chaat masala
¼ tsp black salt
½ tsp roasted cumin powder
A handful of curry leaves (optional, but adds a nice crunch)
Method:
Heat ghee in a pan on low flame.
Add makhana and roast for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
Sprinkle turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder, black salt, and chaat masala. Toss well.
Let it cool before storing in an airtight jar.
👉 Tip: Want a smoky flavor? Add a pinch of smoked paprika instead of red chili powder.
2. Makhana Bhel – A Street Food Twist
I’m a street food lover, but I also want to keep it healthy. That’s when I discovered this makhana bhel—a crunchy, chatpata mix inspired by Mumbai’s famous bhel puri.
Ingredients:
2 cups roasted makhana
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small tomato, finely chopped
½ cucumber, diced
2 tbsp roasted peanuts
1 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
1 tsp tamarind chutney
1 tsp green chutney
½ tsp chaat masala
½ tsp lemon juice
Sev for garnish (optional)
Method:
In a mixing bowl, combine roasted makhana, onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and peanuts.
Add tamarind chutney, green chutney, and chaat masala. Toss well.
Squeeze lemon juice and mix again.
Garnish with sev and fresh coriander. Serve immediately!
👉 Tip: This snack is best eaten fresh; otherwise, the makhana may turn soggy.
3. Makhana Protein Laddoos – A Sweet Yet Healthy Indulgence
My grandmother used to make dry fruit laddoos, but I wanted to give them a modern, protein-packed twist. These makhana protein laddoos are a fantastic energy booster, perfect for post-workout snacking!
Ingredients:
2 cups makhana
½ cup almonds
½ cup cashews
½ cup dates (pitted)
2 tbsp desi ghee
½ tsp cardamom powder
1 tbsp flaxseed powder (optional, for extra nutrition)
Method:
Dry roast makhana until crisp. Let them cool and grind into a coarse powder.
Blend almonds, cashews, and dates in a mixer until they form a sticky mixture.
Heat ghee in a pan, add the mixture along with makhana powder. Mix well.
Add cardamom powder and flaxseed powder. Stir for a few minutes.
Once warm, shape into small laddoos. Store in an airtight container.
👉 Tip: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter for extra protein and richness.
4. Makhana and Yogurt Chaat – A Guilt-Free Chaat
Who says chaat can’t be healthy? This makhana yogurt chaat is a refreshing twist, combining crunch with creamy goodness. Perfect for summer snacking!
Ingredients:
2 cups roasted makhana
1 cup thick yogurt (curd)
½ tsp roasted cumin powder
½ tsp black salt
1 tbsp tamarind chutney
1 tbsp pomegranate seeds
1 tbsp chopped coriander
½ tsp chaat masala
Method:
Whisk the yogurt with cumin powder, black salt, and a pinch of chaat masala.
Place the makhana in a bowl and pour the spiced yogurt over them.
Drizzle with tamarind chutney and mix gently.
Top with pomegranate seeds and fresh coriander.
👉 Tip: Serve immediately to prevent the makhana from becoming soggy.
5. Makhana and Chocolate Clusters – A Kid-Friendly Treat
I wanted a healthy, sugar-free treat for my niece, who loves chocolate but needs a nutritious snack. These makhana chocolate clusters were a hit!
Ingredients:
2 cups roasted makhana
100g dark chocolate (70% or more)
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
A pinch of sea salt
2 tbsp crushed walnuts (optional)
Method:
Melt dark chocolate with peanut butter and honey over low heat.
Add roasted makhana and stir until well coated.
Drop spoonfuls onto a lined tray and sprinkle with sea salt and walnuts.
Let them set in the fridge for 30 minutes.
👉 Tip: Use white chocolate and add dried cranberries for a festive twist!
Final Thoughts: Snack Smart with Makhana
Makhana is not just another snack—it’s a versatile, nutrition-packed superfood that can be transformed into both sweet and savory delights. Whether you’re craving something spicy, tangy, or sweet, there’s a healthy makhana recipe to satisfy your taste buds without guilt.
Try these recipes and let me know your favorite! Have a unique makhana recipe? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear your take on this wholesome snack.
Happy snacking! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions
Is makhana with milk good for health?
Makhana (fox nuts) with milk is a nutritious snack that offers several health benefits, including:
Rich in protein and fiber
Supports bone health and weight management
May help regulate blood sugar and support heart health
Consume in moderation and choose low-fat or fat-free milk for optimal benefits.
Is it okay to eat makhana every day?
Eating makhana every day can be beneficial when done in moderation. Be mindful of portion sizes, sodium content, and overall dietary balance to maximize the benefits of this nutritious snack.
How to eat makhana in the morning?
Here are some ways:
Roasted Makhana
Makhana Milk Porridge
Makhana Oatmeal
Makhana Smoothie
Makhana Puffed Rice Mix
How to roast makhana without oil in pan?
To roast makhana without oil, follow these steps:
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Add 1/2 cup to 1 cup of makhana.
Roast for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
Once crunchy and lightly browned, remove from heat.
Alternatively, add 1-2 teaspoons of water to the pan, cover, and roast for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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