Fox nuts are the white starchy edible seeds of a flowering plant classified under water lily family. They are grown in water and found largely in India and are called Makhana. It is also found in Korea, Japan and Russia where it is known by the name Gorgon Nut. In India , Makhana have many culinary uses. It can be roasted and had as a healthy crunchy snacks , added to curries as thickener , Porridge and Puddings are widely made with Makhana.
Source: Wikipedia
The seeds are highly nutritious and used in Ayurvedic preparations. Makhana are high in fiber , acts as an antiaging food, is low on saturated fats and sodium and high on Magnesium, Potassium and helps in controlling high blood pressure and diabetes too.
source : http://goqii.com/blog/fox-nut-the-lotus-seeds-and-its-nutritional-benefits/
On roasting these seeds pop up and look like popcorn. The seeds are considered very pious and offered to God and taken as fasting food. Basically they are tasteless , but become crunchy on roasting . One can sprinkle salt and pepper powder to make it tasty tea time snacks specially kids love them . Many people do not take salt during Navratri fasting , so here's a recipe to have these nutritious seeds in sweet form.
Meethe Makhane or Caramelized Fox nuts , as the name suggest are roasted Fox nuts which are further tossed in caramelized sugar syrup. This recipe uses no ghee. The seeds are roasted on low to medium heat in a pan until they become crisp and crunchy. Sugar is heated and allowed to caramelize. the roasted seeds are tossed in this syrup. The caramelized sugar syrup gets coated on these roasted makhanas making them sweet and delicious snacks.
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Makhana( Fox Nut)
- 3 Tbsp Sugar ( you may adjust the sugar quantity as per taste)
Method:
- Heat a nonstick pan and roast the makhana on a low to medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until they become crunchy and crisp. Remove them and keep aside.
2. In the same pan heat the sugar without adding water . On a low flame, keep stirring, the sugar will begin to melt and turn brown.
3. Add the roasted Makhana to this caramelized sugar and keep stirring. Initially all the makhana will stick together , do not panic. Keep stirring and tossing for 1-2 minutes.
4. Put off the flame. The Makhanas separate out on cooling. Enjoy the delicious crunchy and healthy snacks with tea or just as it is !
For more fasting food recipes , check out my posts on Nariyal Burfi , Rasgulla , Lauki Ki Kheer, Dates and Nuts Ladoo , Mishti Doi , Kache kele ki Tikki , Shrikhand
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