Makhana is such a nutritious food that when included in the daily diet, many essential nutrients including calcium are easily available. Apart from keeping bones and teeth strong, calcium is also very important for other functions of the body. Apart from calcium, Makhana is rich in properties like protein, fiber, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It can be lightly shaken as a snack or included in the diet by making various tasty recipes. Here are four easy and healthy recipes made from Makhana:
Makhana Chaat
Roast the makhana in a pan until it becomes slightly crispy. After it cools down, take it in a bowl and add pickled tomatoes, onion, cucumber and coriander to it. Now add lemon juice, cumin and salt as per taste and mix well. The body gets calcium, protein and fiber in abundance from this chaat.
Makhana-milk pudding
Roast some makhana in a pan and grind it coarsely. Now heat milk in a vessel, add makhana to it and cook on low flame. When the kheer thickens, add some cardamom powder and rounds as required. Add almond pieces on top and serve. This kheer is excellent for strengthening bones and teeth.
Makhana Vegetable Tikki
Grind Shakeela Makhana and make powder. Mix buffalo potatoes, pickled carrots, vatana, coriander and spices in it. Make small tikkis from this mixture and fry them on both sides in less oil. This tikki is a good source of fiber and protein, which can be enjoyed as an evening snack.
Makhana Curd Bowl
Lightly crush the Shakeela Makhana. Take thick curd in a bowl and add butter, pickled fruits (like apples) and some nuts. Some roasted cumin seeds can be added for taste. Curd provides calcium, while fruits and butter are rich in nutrients in the diet.
Keep these things in mind while making Makhanani recipe…
While buying Makhana, check that there is no moisture, bad smell or fungus in it.
To prevent the Makhana from burning, always roast it on low to medium flame.
Instead of frying it in excess oil, dry roasting it with less oil is more healthy.
For pudding, sugar can be avoided and jaggery can be used.
Keep the Makhana protected from moisture by keeping it in an airtight container.