I love to snack in the evenings and at times between breakfast and lunch. Many a time it is something rich and indulgent but most of the times it is fruit and dried fruits and nuts. I almost always make sure that there are savoury Indian snacks like spiced puffed (murmura) and flat (poha) rice as much as there are cookies in my jars.
The latest addition to my list of snacks is this savoury roasted wonder which I almost can’t do without these days. Hari loves it too so its a great, healthy snack for kids and grownups alike. I call it the Indian version of pop corn.
Popularly known as “Makhanaâ€Â in India, Euryale ferox or fox nut is native to eastern Asia and Russia. It might interest you to know that the Chinese have been growing this for over 3,000 years and is used in Chinese medicine. In certain cultures it is also considered as an auspicious offering to the lord in religious ceremonies. Grown in the stagnant waters of wetlands, tanks, ponds and lakes, it is naturally organic too. Besides, it is nutritionally dense, loaded with calcium, phosphorous, kerotine, iron, zinc, and vitamin B.
This snack is very easy to make and stays fresh for upto 2 weeks or more in an air tight container. It is puffed, light and when roasted and spiced adequately it can become crunchy and zingy too! It has become one of my favourite snacks at home and also when I travel. Getting stuck in Mumbai traffic is nightmarish, but snacks like these and some good music come to rescue the weary traveller!
Roasted Foxnuts Or Makhana (A Savoury Snack) Recipe
Ingredients:
2 tbsp ghee or oil
3/4 tsp red chilli powder or to taste
1 1/4 tsp kala namak or rock salt (or use regular salt)
125 gm (8 cups)fox nuts or makhana
freshly ground pepper
Method:
In a large wok or kadhai, heat the ghee over a medium flame. When it melts, lower the flame and put in the red chilli powder and salt. Quickly toss in the makhana before the chilli begins to burn and mix well. Add in some freshly ground pepper and roast over low heat until the nuts are crispy, about ten minutes.
Store in air tight containers and enjoy as a snack!
Makes 8 cups
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Such an awesome recipe! I have never used makhana before. Everything I saw a pack of it in my grocery store, I would decide to look up the net, find a recipe and try it because it looks so pretty. Somehow never got around to trying it.
I am buying some tomorrow and trying this recipe asap 🙂
Thanks for this incredible roasted foxnuts,i have a bag of these nuts,yet to try them in my cooking,will start definitely with this roast..
I love them..I also like 2 snack on it…healthy n simple one
Anu! Do you read my mind everytime? This is like the nth time that I've been thinking of something and pop comes your post and solves my misery! Just yesterday, I was scratching my head over making some home made snack for Ved and here it is! Am surely making this. Thanks a ton! 🙂
Chinmayie: I'm sure you will love this snack!
Priya: Happy to help!
Pratibha: It is indeed very healthy and so simple to make!
Avantika: How nice to hear that! Hope Ved loves it like Hari!
Anu, I haven't heard of these nuts when in Bangalore. This post is so informative, I would definitely buy them on my next visit to India. They look crunchy and sure make a great tea time snack 🙂
Keerthana: I'm sure you might find them in an Indian store abroad. you don't have to wait till you come to Indian next!
This is an awesome snack. I will try this soon enough 🙂
this looks fabulous
following you on twitter
@torviewtor
Fantastic snack. Happy New Year to you and yours!
Oh i love eating these and exactly the same way! It's one of our fav tea time snack 🙂
This sounds like a nutritious snack for my 1.5 yr old's play school snack box… Will try it right away.
Thanks, taruna
My husband who otherwise does not like makhana, loved your recipe as a snack:)
Vandana: That's great!
Tried and liked it….ðŸ‘
Due to my skin problem I have restrictions of eating spicy items available in the market. As such during navratra,s as well as regular I prefer makhana roasted in pure ghee mixed with rock salt and black pepper. It does not cost you so costly as compared to items available in the market and moreover it is good for snacks any time to use during the day. In overall this is my favourite snack item
Hi Anushruti,
My name is Shruti & I am a new reader of your blog.
I really liked your recipes.
I am new to cooking and want to try this recipe.
Can u tell which brand of Makhana to buy?
shruti: You can buy any brand from the market. I dont use any specific one, infact I buy it loose from a store nearby. All the best in all your cooking ventures.
Hey.. I am such a fan of roasted makhana. I used to get them way too easily in delhi.
At a loss as to where I find them in Bangalore.
Any leads will be oh so appreciated. TIA
Kripa: Makhana is available in Bangalore..You will have to look for it in dry fruit stores or big departmental stores.
Hello Anushruti
I am glad to see someone developing such good reciepe
I am a native of the place where Makhana is grown in huge quantities and there are more reciepe that can be developed with makhana
regards
Prashant
Prashant Nayak: Thank you for your feedback. I agree, makhana is such a versatile ingredient and so many things can be made with it.
Hi,
Need to know ehere can i get roasted makkana or foxnut in Bangalore.
Can you name some super markets
Thanks
Thanks Anushruti for the wonderful snack recipe. Have tried your Makhana Badam kheer recipe as well which was very delicious. Thank you again 🙂
S Balu – FYI.. Makkana is available at Spar in Mantri Mall Bangalore
Ramya- Thanks for the feedback and the information.