Foxnut Eating ways

How to Eat Makhana (Fox Nuts) Daily – Healthy Ways

Makhana, also knows as water lily seed, Lotus Seed or Foxnut, is fast becoming a favourite healthy snack across India and the world. Packed with nutrients and low in calories, this superfood is perfect for guilt-free snacking. In this article, we’ll explore what makes makhana so special, its health benefits, the best ways to eat it, and even a delicious recipe you can try at home.

Why Should You Eat Makhana?

Makhana are rich in protein, fiber, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants. It is low in fat and has a low glycaemic index, which makes it ideal for diabetics and weight watchers. Eating makhana regularly can:

  • Support heart health
  • Aid digestion
  • Strengthen bones
  • Help in managing weight
  • Provide sustained energy during fasting
  • Slowing down ageing process
  • Gluten Free

What are the different Ways to Eat Makhana?

Makhana is a great way to enhance the taste of your food. They can be used in Multiple recipes. Let’s dive in and learn how we can eat them.

Raw Makhana

Raw makhana seeds can be eaten as is, but tend to be a bit chewy. They are usually used as an ingredient in curries, meals, sweets or milk rather than as a direct snack.

Roasted Makhana

Roasting makhana is the most common way to enjoy it. Just dry roast the seeds in a pan until crisp, adding a pinch of salt or black pepper for flavour. Roasted makhana can be consumed directly with Himalayan Pink Salt, Black salt can be consume as makhana chaat. Roasted makhana makes for an excellent teatime snack.

Flavored Makhana

You can easily prepare flavored makhana at home by tossing roasted seeds with spices like chaat masala, peri-peri, or garlic powder. Many packaged options are also available in stores today. There are lots of different flavored Makhana available in market like Peri Peri, Pudina (Mint), Cream & Onion, Tangy Tomato & more these tasty flavored makhana can replace your unhealthy chips or snacks. Mera Kisan offers a variety of flavored Makhanas, each seasoned with different ingredients as per the requirement of customer.

Makhana with Milk (Kheer Style)

Makhana can be used to make a delicious, creamy dessert. In makhana kheer, the seeds are cooked in milk with sugar, cardamom, and dry fruits. This dish is popular during festivals and special occasions.

Makhana for Fasting

Makhana is often eaten during fasting (Vrat/Vrata) as it provides energy and keeps you full for longer. You can make simple roasted makhana or prepare makhana kheer for fast-friendly meals.

If you are someone who doesn’t find your taste buds matching this section, then you can visit the website of Mera Kisan, which offers multiple flavours of Makhana on consumer demand.

Best Time to Eat Makhana

Makhana can be eaten at any time of the day. However, it is best enjoyed as a mid-morning snack or evening munch. It also works well as a light post-dinner snack if you are craving something healthy.

Makhana is healthier than other snacks

If you are looking for a switch from palm oil to healthier options, then you have landed at the right snack options- Makhana.

Makhana Nutrition Value (per 100g):

  • Calories: 350–362 kcal
  • Protein: 7.2–11.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 77–79.8 g
  • Fat: Very low, 0.1–0.5 g
  • Fibre: 14-14.5 g
  • Calcium: 60 mg
  • Potassium: ~500 mg
  • Iron: 1.4 mg
  • Magnesium & Phosphorus: Present in good amounts

Makhana vs Chips vs Namkeen vs Buttered Popcorn

Which Snack Is Healthiest? Let’s Compare!

We know you love munching but if it’s not done right then it can cost you your lifestyle. 

So to make you aware, we have put together a table of favorite munching snacks. 

How Much Makhana Should You Eat Daily?

For a balanced diet, around 1 to 2 handfuls (about 30-50 grams) of roasted makhana per day is sufficient. Eating in moderation ensures you get the benefits without excess calories.

Popular Makhana Recipes You Can Try at Home

Spicy Roasted Makhana

Spicy Roasted Makhana

If you’re looking for a simple yet tasty way to enjoy makhana, this spicy roasted makhana recipe is perfect. It’s healthy, crunchy, and easy to make at home.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups makhana (fox nuts)
  • 1 tablespoon ghee or olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder (optional, for extra spice)
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
  • A pinch of asafoetida (Hing)

Cooking Process:

Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on a low flame and add ghee or olive oil. Once warm, add makhana and roast, stirring continuously for 8–10 minutes until crisp. You can check by crushing one between your fingers—it should break easily. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, turmeric, chaat masala, and a pinch of hing over the roasted makhana. Toss well so the spices coat evenly. Turn off the heat and let it cool. Store in an airtight jar to keep it crisp. Enjoy it with tea or pack it as a healthy, tasty snack for work, school, or travel.

Makhana Kheer

Makhana Kheer

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup makhana
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tbsp sugar (or as needed)
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
  • 5-6 cashews (optional)
  • 5-6 raisins (optional)
  • 1 tsp ghee

Cooking Process:
 Heat ghee in a pan, roast makhana for 5–7 minutes, and crush them lightly. Boil milk and add makhana. Cook on low flame until the milk thickens (about 10–12 minutes). Add sugar, cardamom, and dry fruits. Stir and serve warm.

Makhana Chokha

Makhana Chokha

Makhana chokha is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed with rice or roti. It’s easy to prepare and brings out simple yet heartwarming flavours, perfect for a homely meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup makhana
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black cumin seeds (kalonji)
  • 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
  • Salt to taste
  • A small splash of water

Cooking Process:

Heat oil in a pan and add black cumin seeds. Let them splutter for a few seconds. Add kasuri methi and stir briefly to release its aroma. Add chopped potatoes and sauté for a couple of minutes until lightly golden. Mix in the roasted makhana and stir well so everything combines. Add a small splash of water, cover the pan, and let it cook on a low flame until the potatoes turn soft and tender. Once done, serve warm with rice or roti, or enjoy it as a simple, comforting side dish that brings together homely flavours with the goodness of makhana.

Palak Paneer Makhana

Palak Paneer Makhana

Palak (spinach) is packed with nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins, but we know how tricky it can be to get children (and sometimes adults!) to enjoy it. A simple way to make palak truly delightful is by combining it with paneer and makhana

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups palak (spinach), washed
  • 1 cup makhana (fox nuts)
  • 1 cup paneer cubes
  • 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
  • 1-2 green chillies, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Process-

Boil palak in water for 2–3 minutes, drain, and let it cool. Blend into a smooth paste and set aside. Heat oil in a pan, add makhana, and roast on a low flame for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Add paneer cubes and gently toss with makhana for 2–3 minutes until slightly golden. Pour in the palak paste, add salt, and green chillies if you like it spicy. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes so the flavours blend well. Serve hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice. This dish is a tasty, nutritious combination of spinach, paneer, and makhana.

Makhana Sabji

Makhana Sabji

This is a tasty Makhana recipe that can uplift your mood.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup makhana
  • 1 potato (chopped)
  • 1 carrot (chopped)
  • A handful of beans (chopped)
  • 1/2 capsicum (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1-2 green chillies (slit)
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed

Cooking Process

Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and green chillies. Sauté briefly, then add potatoes, carrots, beans, and capsicum. Cook until veggies soften. Add makhana, salt, and turmeric. Mix well. Add water as needed and simmer until everything is cooked. Serve hot with roti or puri.

Conclusion

If you are looking for healthy food that can make your life good and improve your health, Makhana is truly a superfood that fits into a healthy lifestyle. Unlike junk food that may satisfy your taste buds but harm your health, Makhana offers both taste and nutrition. Whether roasted, sweetened, or spiced up, it offers great taste along with plenty of nutrition.

Is it good to eat Makhana every day?

Yes, eating makhana daily in moderation offers nutrients, keeps you full, and supports digestion

Can I eat Makhana at night?

Yes, makhana is a light, healthy snack that’s easy to digest, making it suitable for night-time eating.

What is the best way to eat Makhana for weight loss?

Dry-roasted or lightly spiced makhana without added sugar or fat is ideal for weight loss.

Is Makhana better than almonds ?

Makhana is lower in calories and fat than almonds, but almonds provide more protein and healthy fats.

Are flavoured Makhanas healthy?

Flavoured makhanas may contain added salt, sugar, or preservatives; plain roasted makhana is a healthier choice

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