CHATPATA MAKHANA

Makhana mixture is one of the most popular of recent trending meals in the world. It is simple, it is quick, it tastes yummy. It's enjoyed by millions every day. 

Makhanas are popularly known as lotus seeds, fox nuts and phool makhana. Makhane/Makhana are actually the seeds of a particular type of lotus and is very nutritive in nature. 

 It’s actually the puffed lotus seeds or the puffed fox nuts that have high nutritional and medicinal values. It is  mostly grown in the states of Bihar in India.

Makhanas are packed with the goodness of protein, potassium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, iron, and zinc. These essential nutrients make this munchy a perfect go-to healthy snack. One to two handfuls of Makhana should be ok and enough to give you positive health benefits. In India, specially in the North, people consider it as the food of the Gods.  That's why makhana is generally served during fasting as it contains all the required nutrients during fasting.

---->>>Here are few health benefits which will convince you to add them to your diet. (source - Google )

# It contains a good amount of carbs in each serving and is also rich in several micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.

# Calcium, in particular, has been shown to support bone health, help reduce blood pressure, and decrease cholesterol levels.

# They are low in calories, making them an ideal snack for weight loss.

# In particular, makhana contains specific antioxidants like gallic acid and chlorogenic acid.

# Research shows that antioxidants play a key role in several aspects of health and may help protect against chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

# Makhanas are recommended for diabetics too due to their low glycemic index.

# Makhana is loaded with calcium, which help in maintaining the health of your teeth and bones. Consuming it will make your bones stronger as it fulfills the recommended calcium requirement of your body. It also helps people with joint problems and osteoporosis.

# Makhana is also good for people suffering from arthritis and other joint problems as it is rich in calcium. Consuming fox nuts will help in maintaining the calcium levels in the body.

# It is also a very rich source of protein. Vegetarians often rely on paneer and soya as a key source of protein. But those who wish to bank on protein from plant source can also turn towards makhana. A cup of dry roasted makhana has around 3.9 gm of protein, which is good enough to help build muscle mass and promote cell growth. 

# Consuming makhana will help inhibit the aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines and premature graying of hair. So, start eating fox nuts now.

# Rich in potassium, fox nut contains less of sodium and it is beneficial for people suffering from high blood pressure. Makhana helps in keeping the blood pressure in control and is one of the best way to maintaining the systolic blood pressure levels.

With this there are so many health benefits of consuming makhanas. So try to add them into your diet. They’re also sometimes  added to curries, side dishes or desserts. Makhana mixture is something that I've loved my entire life. Makhana is the new popcorn. It is quick, crunchy, healthy, tasty, easy to prepare, economical too.

 So do try it and share your feedback.

INGREDIENTS :

200 gm Makhana/ Lotus Seeds

1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder

1/2 teaspoon Ginger Powder

1/2 teaspoon Fennel Seeds Powder

1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Powder

1/4 teaspoon Black Salt

1/4 teaspoon Amchur Powder

1/4 teaspoon Chat Masala

1/2 teaspoon Cumin Powder

2 teaspoon Jaggery Powder

1 teaspoon Ghee 

Salt as per your taste

METHOD : 

STEP 1 - Heat a pan or kadai and add 1 cup of Makhana and dry roast them on very low heat for 4-5 minutes until they are crisp, keep stirring them in between so that Makhana does not burn

STEP 2 - To check if they are roasted properly just take one Makhana in hand and crush it, if it breaks nicely with a crunching sound that means they are done perfectly. Now transfer makhanas to a plate and let them cool.

STEP 3 - In a bowl, add all the spice powders and mix well. Our chatpata masala is ready.(see notes )

Also add jaggery powder and give it a nice mix.

STEP 4 - Heat the same pan/ kadai on low flame and add ghee. (see notes )

STEP 5 - Add the roasted makhanas, mix well and  sauté it on low flame for 2 minutes. This helps to coat the makhanas well with ghee.

STEP 6 - Now add the masala mix in it. Toss the makhanas for about 2 minutes until the spices are well coated.

STEP 7 - Let the Makhana cool to room temperature. 

You can serve it right away or store in airtight container for later use.

NOTES : * We are not adding our spices directly in ghee to avoid burning of them.

* Adjust salt and spices according to your preference.

*  We are using ghee to make it more healthy. If you like you can use oil too.

* Addition of jaggery gives it a nice texture and chatpata taste.

* Do everything in low flame to get the perfect texture and taste to our makhanas.

* You can use your favorite combination of spices as mentioned above.

* If you are making in bulk, do it in batches.

* Can be stored in an airtight container for a week at room temperature. 

* If they are exposed to air they get soggy and do not taste well.