Masala Makhana (Indian Style)
This masala makhana recipe might seem unfamiliar but it is a wonderful Indian snack with chaat masala spices, lime zest, chili, salt, and cumin. Sometimes called makhana seeds, fox nuts, or lotus seeds, they come from the Euryale ferox plant, which is a water-based plant that grows in wetland areas in India, China, and Japan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups raw fox nuts (makhana / phool makhana), about 200g
- 1/4 cup oil of choice
Spice Mix
- 1 tsp red chili powder or cayenne pepper
- 1.5 tsp chaat masala powder
- 1 tsp rock salt or Himalayan salt, adjust as needed — chaat masala has some salt
- 1/4 tsp roasted cumin powder
- lime zest from 1 lime
Instructions
Stove-Top Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, chaat masala, cumin powder, lime zest, and oil.
- Heat a heavy wok on medium heat.
- Add makhana, stir and roast for 12–15 minutes. They’re done when they change from white to light brown and become crispy.
- Turn off the heat and add the spice-enhanced oil to the makhanas. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Allow to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk spice mix with oil in a small bowl.
- Spread makhanas on sheet and bake 30 minutes, stirring halfway. They should be crisp when pressed.
- Remove from oven, transfer to a bowl, immediately add spice oil and mix well.
- Cool completely. Store in airtight container up to 4 weeks.
Notes
- This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
- Cook time is 12–15 min for stovetop, 30 min for oven.
- Add the spice mix only after the heat is turned off. Otherwise, the spices will burn and give a bitter taste.
- If you can’t find chaat masala, mix Himalayan salt, pepper, grated lime, lime juice, and a pinch of sugar.
- Makhana absorbs moisture like a sponge — always store in an airtight container.
- Ground roasted makhana can be used as a thickening agent in soups, curries, and kheer.
Nutrition
Calories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.04gSodium: 394mgPotassium: 227mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.03gVitamin A: 108IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg