Tomato Flavored Makhana

                            

Tomato flavored Makhana is a healthy weight-loss snack where in  roasted Phool Makhana (Lotus seeds / Fox Nuts ) are flavored with homemade tomato powder and some basic spice powders. With a quick , fuss-free and easy to follow recipe, tomato flavored makhana serves a flavorful and guilt-free tea-time or mid-day snack. 

                               

What is Makhana ?

Makhana /Phool Makhana commonly known as lotus seeds or Fox nut (Gorgon nuts) seeds belong to the Lily family which are generally cultivated in low land areas of India , China and Japan for their starchy white seeds which are edible. Lotus seeds are rich in calcium and protein.They regulate blood pressure , have rich anti oxidant properties and benefit spleen kidney and heart. Source

Love for Makhana:

 I have been using makhana in my kitchen regularly from last 6 years. My family loves the ghee toasted makhana as a mid-day snack. We can make a variety of dishes ranging from desserts to savories to main course curries using makahan. Check out the following links from this blog for more ways to add makahan to ones diet. Falhari Makhana Chiwada, Caramelized Fox Nut seeds, Makhane Ki Kheer, Khoya Matar Makhana, Makhana Raita, Makhane ki Chaat

                        

What goes into my version of Tomato flavored Makhana ? The ingredinets:

My version of tomato flavored makhana is a simple fuss-free snack that has a distinct tangy flavor, that it gets from the tomatoes. Let's have a look at the ingredients one by one.

• Tomato Powder : I have used homemade tomato powder to flavor the makhana. You may use store bought as well. To make tomato powder at home, simply sun dry the thinly sliced tomatoes and powder it in grinder jar. I have used Roma tomatoes to make the tomato powder. Tomato powder not only adds a tangy flavor but also lends a lovely natural red color to the makhana. 

If you also love tangy taste of tomatoes you might want to check out Tomato Onion Coriander chutney from preethi's space which serves as a flavorful side dish with chapati or rice. Other tomato recipes from this blog are South Indian style Tomato chutney for tiffin, Thakkali Sadam / Tomato Rice, Tomato Rasam.

• Cheese Powder : I have also used little homemade cheese powder to flavor the makhana, which enhances the taste and makes the makhana all the more tempting. I will share the recipe of homemade cheese powder with all of you very soon. However, weight watchers and vegans may simply skip addition of cheese powder.
• Ghee / Oil : Little ghee or oil is used to roast the makhana. You may skip this as well but i would recommend roasting makhana in little ghee for added flavor.
• Chaat masala : Chaat masala makes the roasted makhana all the more flavorful.
• Salt to taste :

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Makhana / Foxnut
• 1 teaspoon ghee / oil
• 1 teaspoon tomato powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cheese powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Roast makhana in 1 teaspoon oil / ghee for 4-5 minutes on low to medium flame such that it become crispy and crunchy.
2. Sprinkle tomato powder, cheese powder, Chaat masala and salt to taste over the roasted makhana while it is still hot.
3. Mix the flavorings well with roasted makhana.
4. Allow the makhana to cool down completely, before transferring it to an air-tight container.
5. Enjoy the healthy and flavorful tomato makhana with your loved ones !

     

       

Recipe Notes:

• To make tomato powder at home, simply sun dry the thinly sliced tomatoes and powder it in grinder jar.
• Addition of cheese powder is optional.
• Adjust the seasonings as per your liking and taste,
• You can use red chili powder also to flavor the roasted makhana.

Would love to hear from you !

I hope you would love trying out this healthy and delicious Tomato Flavored Makhana. If you do so, feel free to share your feedback with us in the form of likes and comments in the section below this post.

All your suggestions are more than welcome. If you like my work, and feel that it is worth following, do hit the follow button on the top right corner of this blog. Your appreciation means a lot to me. It gives me the inspiration and motivation to keep doing my work and give my best each time.

If you like my work and want to be updated with new recipes, do follow us on various social media platforms. My social media handles for your kind reference are as follows. 

 

You Tube Channel English : 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasKW9Cq5khnTS3JnJ43m2A 

You Tube Channel Marathi : 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5lWdtDq45pDz04dJeezw7A

You Tube Channel Hindi : 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3BoiHHEbhS8gIfeRzPfb7w

Facebook Handle: https://www.facebook.com/poonambachhavblogspot

Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/poonambachhav/

Pinterest Handle : https://in.pinterest.com/poonambachhav/

Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/poonampagar_B

 

See you soon with yet another healthy and delicious creation from my Kitchen. Until then Stay safe and eat right !

 

Happy Cooking !

Happy Eating !

 

Regards

Poonam Bachhav 

Related Posts:

• Falahari Makhana Chiwda                               

• Makhana Chaat

• Tomato khejur Aamshottar Chutney

• Naga Tomato Chutney

• Tomato Chutney

• Tomato Soup

• Caramelized Fox Nuts

Cornflakes Chaat / Bhel Recipe

                           

This Cornflakes chaat or bhel is a lip-smacking healthy snacks that uses Cornflakes ( ready-to-eat cereal) as its star ingredient. With a no-cook, oil-free , fuss-free recipe, this utterly delicious Cornflakes Chaat can be made under 5 minutes and serves as a guilt-free munching option for all ages. This Cornflakes chaat is vegan, gluten-free and has a lovely crunch from the added pomegranate, peanuts apart from the cornflakes itself. 

                             

What goes into my version of Cornflakes Chaat ? The Ingredients

Cornflakes: The star ingredient of this chaat is ready-to-eat cereal, Cornflakes. Use a good quality non-flavored cornflakes and that is fresh  (very crisp) for best results.

Peanuts: Roasted and skinned peanuts lend a lovely crunch to the chaat, apart from making it protein rich. I have used un-salted home roasted peanuts. You may use store-bought as well. I always keep a batch of roasted peanuts handy for healthy munching.

Pomegranate : Pomegranate arils/seeds make the chaat appealing by adding color to it and lend a refreshing juicy flavor and crunch to the chaat.

Salad veggies and herbs: I have used onions, tomatoes, green chilies, fresh coriander leaves. You may use mint leaves, raw mango, cucumber if you wish to. add Cucumber just before serving.

Spices: I have used basic spice powders like red chili powder, chaat masala and roasted cumin powder. 

Lemon Juice: I have used fresh lemon juice which is quintessential ingredient of any chaat. It adds a refreshing tangy flavor to the chaat.

                                          

Short Video for Cornflakes Chaat

               

Dietary Notes: Cornflakes Chaat is 

• No-cook
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Oil-free
• Sugar-free
• Healthy Snacks
• Kid-friendly
• Weight-loss recipe

                                    

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: Nil

Serves: 2

Ingredients: 1 cup = 240 ml

• 2 cups Cornflakes (Ready to eat - Cereal)
• 1 large red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 small bunch of fresh Coriander leaves
• 1/4 cup Pomegranate arils
• 1/4 cup Roasted peanuts
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, add finely chopped tomatoes, onion and green chilies.
2. Add salt, red chili powder, roasted cumin powder and chaat masala to it.
3. Mix it well such that tomatoes are lightly mashed and they release their juices and all spice powders blend well with onion and tomatoes.
4. Add pomegranate arils, roasted peanuts, finely chopped coriander, lemon juice and mix all ingredients very well. Our basic ingredients of chaat or bhel are ready.
5. Next, we will add cornflakes, ie our star ingredient and give everything a good toss.
6. Our healthy, no-cook, oil-free utterly delicious Cornflakes Chaat is ready to serve.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy with your loved ones !                             

         

      

Recipe Notes:

• Use good quality Cornflakes, possibly from fresh packet so that it is crunchy.
• Adjust spices as per your spice tolerance and taste.
• You may add raw mango pieces, boiled potato chunks, cucumber pieces, boiled sweet corn also to the chaat as variation. If using Cucumber, add it just before serving.
• Make sure you add cornflakes to the bhel ingredients, just before serving, or else the cornflakes will not retain the crunch and the chaat will become soggy.

Would love to hear from you !

I hope you would love trying out this healthy and delicious Cornflakes Chaat. If you do so, feel free to share your feedback with us in the form of likes and comments in the section below this post.

All your suggestions are more than welcome. If you like my work, and feel that it is worth following, do hit the follow button on the top right corner of this blog. Your appreciation means a lot to me. It gives me the inspiration and motivation to keep doing my work and give my best each time.

If you like my work and want to be updated with new recipes, do follow us on various social media platforms. My social media handles for your kind reference are as follows. 

 

You Tube Channel English : 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasKW9Cq5khnTS3JnJ43m2A 

You Tube Channel Marathi :

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5lWdtDq45pDz04dJeezw7A

You Tube Channel Hindi :

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3BoiHHEbhS8gIfeRzPfb7w

Facebook Handle: https://www.facebook.com/poonambachhavblogspot

Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/poonambachhav/

Pinterest Handle : https://in.pinterest.com/poonambachhav/

Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/poonampagar_B

 

See you soon with yet another healthy and delicious creation from my Kitchen. Until then Stay safe and eat right !

 

Happy Cooking !

Happy Eating !

 

Regards

Poonam Bachhav 

Related Posts: If you are looking for more healthy, no-cook recipes, do check out the following from this blog

• Watermelon Salsa                                  

• Makhana Chaat

• Dates and Cornflakes Energy Balls

• Muskmelon Salsa

Watermelon Salsa

                                                   

Watermelon salsa is a healthy refreshing salad made using diced watermelon, along with salad veggies like cucumber, onion, tomatoes and chilies. Lots of fresh coriander and mint leaves with lemon juice and citrus zests going in makes it is all the more desirable. Watermelon salsa is mildly sweet and spicy and makes a wonderful pair with grilled protein . You can team it with nachos or chips for your kids. Makes an ideal snacks for pool parties and Summer get together. With a no-cook, fuss-free recipe, Watermelon salsa can be put together within no time.

                   

Summer is very harsh this year in most part of the world and it is important that we keep ourselves hydrated and include naturally cooling food in our daily diet as much as possible. This watermelon salsa is a perfect summer treat. It not only keeps you hydrated but also has a cooling effect on our body. Sattu Ka Ghol , homemade Rose Syrup, Wood Apple Drink, Sol Kadhi / Kokkum Curry, Thandai are some naturally cooling recipes, apt for Summer season in India. Podalangai Podi Thooval, Snake gourd stir-fry with moong dal spice mix from kalyani's blog  is yet another naturally cooling curry.

                   

Dietary Notes: Watermelon Salsa is

• Vegetarian salad
• Vegan salsa
• Gluten-free
• No-cook recipe
• Healthy delightful
• Weight Loss recipe
• Naturally hydrating and cooling
• zero-oil recipe

                                              

Short Video for Watermelon Salsa

                     

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: Nil

Serves: 2                                  

Ingredients for Watermelon Salsa

• 2 cups diced watermelon
• 1 cucumber diced
• 1 large red onion, finely chopped
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup boiled sweet corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon citrus zest
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Handful of fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh coriander
• Black Pepper corn, freshly crushed
• Rock salt to taste

Method:

1. In a large mixing bowl, take de-seeded, diced watermelon. Add diced cucumber, boiled sweet corn kernels, finely chopped onion, tomatoes, green chilies, mint leaves and fine;y chopped fresh coriander.
2. Add lemon juice, rock salt and freshly crushed black pepper to taste.
3. Give all the ingredients a good toss.
4. Cover the bowl with a cling film and refrigerate at least for 1 hour for the flavors to blend.
5. Serve the chilled watermelon salsa with your favorite grilled protein, or pair it with nachos or chips and enjoy with your loved ones !

                                 

Would love to hear from you !

I hope you would love trying out this healthy and delicious watermelon salsa. If you do so, feel free to share your feedback with us in the form of likes and comments in the section below this post.

All your suggestions are more than welcome. If you like my work, and feel that it is worth following, do hit the follow button on the top right corner of this blog. Your appreciation means a lot to me. It gives me the inspiration and motivation to keep doing my work and give my best each time.

If you like my work and want to be updated with new recipes, do follow us on various social media platforms. My social media handles for your kind reference are as follows. 

You Tube Channel English :

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasKW9Cq5khnTS3JnJ43m2A 

You Tube Channel Marathi :

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5lWdtDq45pDz04dJeezw7A

You Tube Channel Hindi : 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3BoiHHEbhS8gIfeRzPfb7w

Facebook Handle: https://www.facebook.com/poonambachhavblogspot

Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/poonambachhav/

Pinterest Handle : https://in.pinterest.com/poonambachhav/

Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/poonampagar_B

 

See you soon with yet another healthy and delicious creation from my Kitchen. Until then Stay safe and eat right !

 

Happy Cooking !

Happy Eating !

 

Regards

Poonam Bachhav 

 Some Naturally Cooling Recipes for Summer :

• Sattu Ka Ghol                                 

• Sol Kadhi

• Bael Ka Sharbet

• Maharashtrian Mattha / Spiced Buttermilk

• Homemade Rose Syrup

Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

This homemade Garlic bread is a stuffed, cheesy, garlic flavored bread cooked in Dominos style . With a no-yeast, fuss-free recipe, this flatbread replaces refined flour (maida) with whole wheat flour and does not require even an oven. You can pair this cheesy garlic bread with ketchup or any creamy dip of your choice.

My son and husband are big fans of Dominos style garlic bread. On weekends, whenever we order pizza, garlic bread is sure on the list. But it is not good to have bakery products with refined flour often, so i tried making stuffed garlic bread at home , where i have replaced refined flour with whole wheat flour. Also, i have made this garlic bread without the use of yeast and shared the methods of baking this garlic bread in oven as well as gas-top. This flatbread has distinct flavors of garlic and is crisp from outside and soft and cheesy from within. Use of whole wheat flour, makes the garlic bread a bit dense, but no-doubt it is a healthier choice.

                      

Short Video for Stuffed Garlic Bread 

                    

Related Event : Flat-breads @Shhhhhh Cooking Challenge Group

Our host for the month of March was Anu who blogs @Ente Thattukada and she suggested that we make a flatbread either from Indian or International Cuisine. All thanks to the theme, I finally made a whole wheat stuffed garlic bread which was for long on my to-do-list.  In this group, participating members exchange a pair of secret ingredient with their assigned partner for the theme. My partner for the theme was Mayuri di, who blogs at Mayuri's Jikoni. She gave me yogurt and salt as my secret ingredients and i made this garlic bread using my set of secret ingredients. In return, i gave her yeast and herbs and she made Fougasse, a beautiful leaf shaped French flatbread. 

                                                 

What goes into my version of stuffed Garlic bread ? The ingredients:

• Whole Wheat Flour: The recipe calls for use of only whole wheat flour as the base for the garlic bread. You may use whole wheat flour and refined flour in the ratio of 1:1.
• Curd: As mentioned above this is a no-yeast version so, curd / yogurt is used to knead the dough.
• Leavening agents: Baking soda and baking powder are used in this recipe along with curd, which helps the bread to rise.
• Garlic : garlic is the second obvious ingredient after flour in making garlic bread. Mined garlic is used in making garlic butter also and directly added to the flour while kneading the dough.
• Herbs and spices : Mixed Italian herbs, red chili flakes, black pepper and coriander are used to flavor the bread.
• Salted Butter: Salted butter is used to make garlic butter that is used as a major flavoring agent in this bread.
• Cheese: I have used processed pizza cheese to stuff the bread. You may use Mozzarella cheese alone or in combination with cheddar cheese.  

Preparation Time: 40 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Serves: 2 garlic breads

Ingredients: 1 cup = 240 ml

To make the dough:

• 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (200 grams)
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup curd
• 1 teaspoon mixed Italian herbs / dried Oregano 
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

To make garlic butter :

•  3 tablespoon salted butter (at room temperature)
• 1/2 tsp mixed Italian herbs
• 1 tsp crushed garlic

For stuffing: 

• Some chopped fresh coriander
• 50 grams processed cheese
• 1/4 cup boiled sweetcorn
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers
• 2-3 cloves of thinly sliced garlic
• Some chili flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed black pepper

Method:

1. To begin with making the dough for garlic bread, take 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour in a mixing bowl. add salt, sugar , baking powder and baking soda to it.
2. Mix it well. Next, add crushed garlic to it and mix again.
3. Add 1//2 cup curd to the flour and incorporate it well with the flour.
4. Add little water at a time, and knead the flour into a semi soft dough. Knead for about 1 minutes more.
5. To prepare the garlic butter, in a small bowl take 50 grams salted butter at room temperature. Add minced garlic and mixed Italian herbs and give it a good mix. Our garlic butter is ready.
6. Add 1 teaspoon garlic butter to the dough and knead it again for 1 minute. It should look elastic. 
7. Now divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Cover it with a damp kitchen towel and allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, preheat the oven at 200 degrees for 15 minutes. If using gas-top method, heat a cooker with 2 cups salt at the base on medium to high heat for 15 minutes. Remove the whistle and gasket from the lid of the pressure cooker while doing so.
9. Boil sweetcorn in enough salted water , drain and cool it completely. Finely chop the bell pepper and coriander leaves. Grate the cheese and keep ready.
10. After resting time, take one dough ball and roll it on a dusted working platform into a thick round sheet, using a rolling pin.
11. Apply garlic butter using a brush all over the surface of the rolled out sheet. Sprinkle, chili flakes, chopped coriander, Italian mixed herbs, black pepper over it. Now add half of the grated cheese, boiled sweet corn and finely chopped bell peppers over half of the rolled out circular sheet. 
12. Apply little water at the edges and slowly place half of the sheet over the other, making a half circle. Apply light pressure and seal the edges.
13. Transfer it to a greased or butter paper lined baking dish. Make slits using sharp knife, such that it is partially sliced downwards at the same time keeping it in one piece.
14. Apply garlic butter and place the bread for baking either in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes or in a preheated cooker on medium heat for 30-35 minutes. Keep a watch after 25 minutes.
15. Once out of the oven, brush it with garlic butter and sprinkle Italian herbs, chili flakes and chopped coriander. Cover the bread with kitchen towel for 5-7 minutes, before serving. 
16. Serve the cheesy garlic bread sticks with ketchup, mayonnaise or any dip of your choice.                                                                                                                                                                

Would love to hear from you !

I hope you would love trying out this no-yeast, stuffed cheesy garlic bread using whole wheat flour. If you do so, feel free to share your feedback with us in the form of likes and comments in the section below this post.

All your suggestions are more than welcome. If you like my work, and feel that it is worth following, do hit the follow button on the top right corner of this blog. Your appreciation means a lot to me. It gives me the inspiration and motivation to keep doing my work and give my best each time.

If you like my work and want to be updated with new recipes, do follow us on various social media platforms. My social media handles for your kind reference are as follows. 

 

You Tube Channel English : 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasKW9Cq5khnTS3JnJ43m2A 

You Tube Channel Marathi : 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5lWdtDq45pDz04dJeezw7A

You Tube Channel Hindi : 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3BoiHHEbhS8gIfeRzPfb7w

Facebook Handle: https://www.facebook.com/poonambachhavblogspot

Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/poonambachhav/

Pinterest Handle : https://in.pinterest.com/poonambachhav/

Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/poonampagar_B

 

See you soon with yet another healthy and delicious creation from my Kitchen. Until then Stay safe and eat right !

 

Happy Cooking !

Happy Eating !

Regards

Poonam Bachhav 

Related Posts:

• Amritsari Aloo Kulcha

• Sindhi Dal Pakwan

• Multi-grain Achari Buns

• Whole Wheat Vegetable stuffed Buns
  

• Eggless Ladi Paav