Makhana, also known as Phool Makhana, are popped water lily seeds widely consumed as a healthy snack in India. Popularly called fox nuts in English, Makhana is used in snacks, sweets, curries, and even fasting recipes. In this detailed guide, you will learn about:
About Makhana
Makhana is obtained from the seeds of the prickly water lily plant (Euryale ferox species). The seeds are stored in a flower bulb, which bursts when ripe, releasing seeds into the water. These seeds are:
- Harvested and sun-dried
- Roasted at high heat to pop into crunchy fox nuts
The popped Phool Makhana is light, crispy, and low in calories, making it perfect for healthy snacking. However, since they turn soft when exposed to air, they are roasted again before eating.
Makhana is eaten:
- Dry roasted with spices (Masala Makhana)
- Tossed with caramel (Sweet Makhana)
- Mixed with nuts & spices to make Makhana Chivda
- Added in kheer, curries, and fasting recipes
Makhana Vs Lotus Seeds
Many people confuse Makhana with Lotus seeds (Kamal Gatta). But they are different:
| Feature | Makhana (Phool Makhana) | Lotus Seeds (Kamal Gatta) |
|---|---|---|
| Plant | Water Lily (Euryale ferox) | Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) |
| Texture | Pops when roasted | Does not pop like makhana |
| Use | Snacks, curries, fasting food | Ayurvedic medicine, religious rituals |
| Taste | Light, crunchy | Soft when boiled |
| Nutritional Value | High protein, fiber | Used as nerve & cardio tonic in Ayurveda |
So, if you are consuming Makhana for health benefits, remember its nutritional profile differs from Lotus seeds.
Makhana Benefits
Eating Makhana regularly can improve your health in many ways:
- Low in Calories & High in Protein – Good for weight loss
- Rich in Antioxidants – Boosts immunity
- Good for Heart Health – Lowers bad cholesterol
- Diabetes-Friendly Snack – Low glycemic index
- Great for Digestion – High in fiber
- Excellent Fasting Food – Keeps you full for longer
Quick Nutrition Table (Per 100 g of Makhana)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 9.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 77 g |
| Fiber | 14.5 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Magnesium | 94 mg |
Makhana in English & Price
- Makhana in English – Fox Nuts or Popped Water Lily Seeds
- Makhana price – Varies from ₹500 to ₹1000 per kg in India, depending on quality and brand.
For best results, always buy fresh, large-sized Makhana from trusted brands.
Makhana Recipes for Breakfast & Snacks
There are several easy Makhana recipes you can try at home. Here are the most popular ones:
1. Masala Makhana Recipe (Spicy Phool Makhana)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Makhana
- ½ tsp Kashmiri chili powder
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- ⅓ tsp Garam masala or Chaat masala
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Ghee or Oil (optional)
Method:
- Dry roast 2 cups makhana in a pan until crispy.
- Mix all spices with ¾ tbsp water to make a thick paste.
- Rub the paste evenly on roasted makhana.
- Roast again for 2–3 minutes on low flame until crunchy.
This roasted makhana snack is perfect with evening tea or as a midnight snack.
2. Herbed Makhana Snack
Add a herbal twist to your regular roasted makhana.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Makhana
- ½ tbsp Curry leaves powder (or mint/moringa powder)
- ½ tsp Cumin powder
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- ⅓ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper powder
- 1 tsp Ghee
Method:
- Roast makhana on low flame until crisp.
- Mix all dry spices with 1 tbsp water to make a paste.
- Rub the paste on makhana and roast again for 3–4 minutes.
- Add 1 tsp ghee and sprinkle extra herb powder for aroma.
3. Sweet – Caramel Makhana
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Makhana
- 6 tbsp Jaggery powder
- ¼ tsp Cardamom powder
- 1 tsp Ghee
- Optional: Peanuts / Sesame seeds
Method:
- Dry roast makhana until crunchy and keep aside.
- In a pan, cook jaggery + ½ tbsp water until it bubbles.
- Add cardamom powder and roasted makhana. Mix well.
- Add 1 tsp ghee and stir until fully coated.
- Let it cool before serving.
This sweet makhana recipe is a great healthy alternative to caramel popcorn.
4. Makhana Chivda Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Makhana (sliced or whole)
- 3 tbsp Peanuts
- 10–12 Cashews
- 3 Garlic cloves
- 1 sprig Curry leaves
- 1 dried Red chili
- 2 tbsp Dried coconut slices
- ¼ tsp Turmeric & Red chili powder
- Salt to taste
Method:
- Roast makhana until crunchy.
- In another pan, heat oil, fry peanuts, cashews, garlic, curry leaves, and coconut until crisp.
- Add spices and mix roasted makhana.
- Cool completely before storing in an airtight jar.
Roasted Makhana – Quick Tips
- Always roast on low to medium flame to avoid burning.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.
- Add different spices like peri-peri, black salt, or oregano for variety.
Conclusion
Makhana (Phool Makhana) is a nutritious, versatile, and guilt-free snack that can be enjoyed in multiple ways – spicy, herbed, sweet, or mixed as chivda. Whether you are looking for weight-loss snacks, healthy breakfast options, or fasting recipes, Makhana snacks are perfect.
So, next time you crave something tasty yet healthy, try any of these Makhana recipes and enjoy the benefits of this superfood!