6 Delicious Makhana Recipes for Stronger Bones and Healthier Joints

It is referred to as fox nuts or lotus seeds – makhana is undoubtedly a spritely nutrient-dense ingredient that is part of Indian grandmother’s compendium of edible delights. This food is commonly used in culinary practices due to its reliability as a superfood that has been embraced in both old and new-generation kitchens. It can be eaten as a sweet dish makhana kheer or served as a savory dish makhana ka sabzi. In this blog, we will tell you six simple recipes for makhana that not only will have yummy flavors but will also help in getting healthy bones and joints. As such, we have a wide collection of makhana chaat recipes for those on a diet, and just flavored makhana recipes for those who want to snack. Moreover, for all travelers who adhere to fasting, there will be suggested materials for substitutions so that a meal can be tasty for everyone.

About Makhana Recipes

Makhana or fox nuts are obtained from the seeds of the Euryale Fox plant and they are chiefly procured from India. These seeds are very special and their texture was quite crunchy while the taste was just a bit bland making them very suitable for any dish. Fasting usually involves the consumption of low-calorie foods, and being a low-calorie food, makhana is often enjoyed during such periods as a snack. It is incorporated in preparing phool makhana curry and makhana ki kheer to provide not only the taste of the dishes but also the nutrients you need. There are so many reasons why people consider ordering makhana, one of which is because of its nutritional value. It is a good source of protein and dietary fiber, and there is calcium and magnesium which are important for bone development. This makes it suitable for those who are observing their weight given the fact that it has limited calories in one serving. When you want it spicy, there is the peri-peri makhana and when you want the plains, simple ghee makhana is also available.

6 Types of Makhana Recipes:

1. Makhane ki Kheer

Makhana Kheer is made out of cream and milk and provides a delicious taste making it quite suitable for occasions such as celebrations. So this makhana kheer recipe, as the name suggests, doubles up as not just a delicious dessert but also for your health, especially for bones and joints that are rich in calcium and proteins. The nuts add extra value in terms of vitamins and other healthy nutrients and also the satisfying textures of the nuts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup makhana
• 1 liter milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 tablespoon ghee

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan and roast the makhana until crispy.
2. Crush the roasted makhana slightly.
3. In a pot, boil the milk and add the crushed makhana.
4. Cook until the makhana softens and the milk thickens.
5. Add sugar, chopped nuts, and cardamom powder.
6. Cook for another 5 minutes and serve warm.

Alternative Tip for Fasting:

• Replace sugar with jaggery and use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt.

2. Makhana Raita recipe

The Makhana Raita is a delicious, light and healthy side dish that can be eaten with any type of food. This is one of the most healthy recipes of makhana where you add yogurt to it which increases its digestion quality and then roast the makhana for extra crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup roasted makhana
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Chopped coriander for garnish

Instructions:

1. Whisk the yogurt until smooth.
2. Add the roasted makhana, cumin powder, and salt.
3. Mix well and garnish with chopped coriander.
4. Serve chilled.

Alternative Tip for Fasting:

• Use rock salt (sendha namak) and add grated cucumber or boiled potatoes for a more filling raita.

3. Makhana Aloo Tikki

Makhana Aloo Tikki is a lovely food that involves the use of makhana and potatoes as the main ingredients. Here’s a healthy recipe of makhana that you can eat as an appetizer or enjoy during tea time and helps satisfy the crunch quotient and gives a burst of flavor. It is also helpful in adding makhana to your diet in an enjoyable and delicious form consumed in the form of this snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup makhana
• 2 boiled potatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Grind the makhana into a coarse powder.
2. Mash the boiled potatoes and mix with the makhana powder.
3. Add cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt.
4. Shape the mixture into tikki’s and shallow fry until golden brown.
5. Serve hot with mint chutney.

Alternative Tip for Fasting:

• Use rock salt (sendha namak) and replace chili powder with black pepper.

4. Makhana Chaat Recipe for weight loss

Makhana Chaat is a unique dish that can be classified as a snack since it comes with low-calorie content to give a lean body physique to those wanting to eat lighter food. This makhana chaat is a scrumptious snack that is healthy and does not make you feel guilty no matter at what time of the day you have it. This one is well suited for taking a nutritive bite in between meals and is easy to prepare as well.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup roasted makhana
• 1 chopped cucumber
• 1 chopped tomato
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• Lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix roasted makhana with chopped cucumber, tomato, and onion.
2. Add chaat masala, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Toss well and serve immediately.

Alternative Tip for Fasting:

• Use rock salt (sendha namak) and skip the onions if preferred.

5. Makhana Curry

Makhana curry, also known as makhana ka sabzi, is a mouth-watering recipe that can be served with rice or roti. Phool makhana, rich in proteins and vitamins, is cooked with tomatoes, giving the makhana curry a creamy touch that comforts the taste buds. That is the best way to have a delicious but healthy curry that will full fill your stomach.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup makhana
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
2. Once they splutter, add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
3. Add turmeric, coriander powder, and salt.
4. Add yogurt and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Add the makhana and garam masala.
6. Cook for 10 minutes and serve hot with rice or roti.

Alternative Tip for Fasting:

• Use rock salt (sendha namak) and replace regular oil with peanut oil.

6. Roasted Makhana

Roasted Makhana is a simple yet delicious snack that is perfect for any time of the day. This recipe can be customized with different seasonings like peri-peri makhana for a spicy kick or ghee makhana for a traditional flavor. You can also make air-fry makhana for a healthier version. It’s a great alternative to regular chips and snacks.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups makhana
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1 teaspoon peri-peri seasoning (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan and roast the makhana until crispy.
2. Add peri-peri seasoning and salt.
3. Toss well and serve as a snack.

Alternative Tip for Fasting:

• Use rock salt (sendha namak) and plain ghee without any additional seasonings.

Health Benefits of Makhana

• Rich in Calcium: For bones, it is important to maintain calcium levels and this helps to possibly avoid the occurrence of osteoporosis.
• High in Protein: They provide support to muscles with regard to repair and even muscle growth.
• Low in Calories: For use in weight loss programs Suitable for: Ideal for weight loss.
• Antioxidant Properties: Some of its benefits include aiding in countering inflammation as well as oxidative stress.
• Digestive Health: It is effective based on the high fiber content that helps in digestion.

Serving and Nutritional Value

These recipes yield 2-4 servings per dish, thus ideal for family or home dishes and other small intimate events. undefined

• Calcium: It aids in strengthening bones and it does not let joint problems occur.
• Protein: Essential for muscle synthesis and remodeling.
• Fiber: It helps to compliment food and also has a way of helping digestion as it is used in handling digestion and in managing extra weight.
• Antioxidants: Reduce the amount of stress exerted by the body that can be caused by free radical attack and consequently lower the inflammation of the body and enhance the health status of the body.

For example, These are perfect for anyone watching their calorie intake because they are low in calories but they have portions that can help you avoid hunger pains.

Some Tips while making Makhana

• The last but not the least point one needs to bear in mind is that makhana must be packed tightly with no air arriving at the makhana so that it will maintain crispness.
• Regarding the spicing of your fancy makhana foods do not hesitate to use different spices and herbs.
• If you do not want to take a chance with the deep fryer, you can opt for an air fryer as it gives less oil and fat in food.

FAQs

1. Can I eat makhana every day? 

Yes, makhana can be included in the daily diet plan if consumed in moderate amounts as they contain very little calorie content.

2. Does makhana help in weight loss? 

Yes, makhana consists of very lesser calories but contains rich fiber content which makes it perfect for weight reduction.

3. How should I store makhana? 

Place the makhana in an airtight container and store the product away from heat, and moisture, or else it would lose its crispy texture.

4. Is there any kind of side effects while consuming makhana? 

To their extent, Makhana is a safe food that should be taken in moderation for it can cause stomach upsets such as bloating or even constipation.

5. Can I eat makhana during fasting? 

Yes, makhana is a popular fasting food in India. Just ensure to use fasting-compliant ingredients like rock salt and avoid certain spices.

Conclusion

The consumption of makhana as a food addiction is a delicious course to improve the general well-being most importantly bones and joints. Being packed with nutrition and used in both savory and sweet recipes, makhana is used in a hundred ways starting from makhana kheer recipes to makhana ka sabzi. These simple makhana recipes will work for all the different palate preferences and it is especially good for those who are fasting. In case you are looking for a makhana chaat recipe for weight loss you will find it here or looking for a simple snack such as peri-peri makhana or ghee makhana, you will find it here as well.

More tasty and nutritious recipes can be found on Lemon Rice Recipe While the guide to Top 6 Healthy Winter Foods That Keep Your Body Warm tells more about the joys of eating seasonal food. Augment the goodness of makhana and savor these healthy recipes together with more scrumptious delicacies using recipes from Chef’s Home Around.