Annapurna: 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:

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

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

Happy Cooking !

Happy Eating !