Roasted Makhana Snack

'Makhana or Phool Makhana' also called Foxnuts in English, have been a staple ingredient in Indian households for centuries. Traditionally eaten during religious fasting, Makhanas, are powerhouse of nutrients. You can find many health benefits of Makhanas here .

My favourite way of eating Makhanas are as a toasted snack with my 4 pm chai! This recipe comes together in less than 15 min. 

INGREDIENTS - 

2 cups Makhana

1/2 cup Roasted Peanuts or any other nuts (Optional)

2 Tsp Ghee or any other preferred oil 

Salt to taste 

1/2 Tsp Chilli Powder

1.5 Tsp Royal Chaat Masala (Optional)

METHOD 

1. Pre heat oven at 180c. Place Makhanas on baking tray and toast them for 10 min or until it's crispy. (See notes)
2. Once toasted transfer the Makhanas to a bowl. Add ghee while Makhanas are still hot. Now add peanuts, salt, chilli powder and chaat masala if using. 
3. Give all the ingredients a good mix. Your Makhana snack is ready to enjoy! 

NOTES 

Makhanas have a chewy texture which is not very pleasant to eat as is, so its important to toast them well before eating. The way to check if they have been toasted well is by pressing one between your thumb and index finger, it will crush easily into small pieces & that's how you know its ready to be eaten. 

You can also roast Makhanas with Ghee instead of adding them later. Just mix ghee and Makhanas together before throwing them in the oven. 

You can add any flavours to Makhanas, think of it as popcorn, which can just absorb any flavour you add to it. I could add Italian or Mexican seasoning, or add lots of butter while toasting it. 

Keep it in air tight container for up to one week.