Foxnuts aka Phool makhana aka lotus seeds, i came across this wonderful ingredient maybe 2 years ago. Yes, you call me a being living under the rock. Though i have seen this in all the indian stores, but i was never curious to know about it.
Then one day i came across this crunchy roasted foxnuts in one of my friends house and we all loved it. It became my lil ones favorite snack. I never expected him to like it. So, from that time i always keep a pack of makhana for him.
I usually roast a small amount just for him with minimal spices just pepper and salt. Last navrathri, i tried making a bigger batch for my friends who were fasting, i tried using the microwave and found it much more easier and quicker than stove-top. This is just a personal opinion, i m lazy, i can’t stand there and keep stirring the makhanas as they try to pop, enjoying the warmth of hot stove.
It took me just 10 minutes to make this delicious makhanas in the microwave, i divided the 100 grams foxnuts into 3 batches while roasting in the microwave and 1 minute for the tadka to mix in all the spices.
This makes a wonderful travel food, as they are very easy to make and pack. Just take some paper cups or muffin cups with you, to serve them while you are on the go. I m packing them for the Kids delight – Travel food happening @ Cooking with Renu, an event by Srivalli
Ingredients
100 grams fox nuts, phool makhana
1-2 tbsp of oil
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp – 1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly pounded pepper
Method
- I used my microwave to roast the foxnuts. It took just 2 minutes for roasting and since i did it in 3 batches because of the quantity, it took 6 minutes exactly and 1 minute for tadka. So this dish gets done in flat 7-8 minutes.
- Take all of the foxnuts in a large bowl or plate, whichever is comfortable to mix in the oil. Take 1-2 tsp of oil and pour it over the foxnuts, mix it well with your hands.
- Divide the foxnuts into 3 batches. Spread one batch on to a baking tray, do not overcrowd. Microwave at high for 2 minutes. Stop at 1 minute, shake the tray once, spreading the foxnuts and again microwave it for another 1 minute.
- Remove the tray, spread it on a flat plate and continue with the rest of the batches. Once all are done, heat a pan with another 1-2 tsp of oil, once it is hot, take it off the stove, add cayenne pepper, freshly pounded black pepper, turmeric powder and salt to it. immediately add the roasted foxnuts and mix it well.
- Let it sit in the hot pan for 2 minutes. Take it off, let it cool. Store it in an air-tight container.
That is a lovely snack. i have a pack of makhana at home and have not used it yet. This is the snack I am planning to make since, I don't how long. You are tempting me to make it asap. And Beautiful clicks, Priya. I like everything about these pictures, styling, background, the font color. Love it!!
This is a simple snack which I make for my grandchildren and they are addicted to them . I like the wY you have taken this shot and the background too !
Beautiful pictures for a healthy snack. I should try this microwave version soon. We love this snack too. Thanks for the idea.
I am so lovng this idea of Microwave makhana , made two batches already after seeing your post on my FB feed ! keep those snacks comign priya 🙂 and thanks for the inspiration !
Used to be one of my go to snack, and I feel like I have not made this since ages. Yummy and delicious.
Roasted Makhana are a regular in my house, I make a batch of it mixed with other nuts and raisins for kids hunger pangs especially in vacations. The pictures have come out beautifully..
I have never tried using makhana at home though I have been eating it almost my life. Your roasted makhana snack sounds simple and guilt free.