ROASTED PHOOL MAKHANA /PUFFED LOTUS SEEDS / FOXNUT

ROASTED PHOOL MAKHANA /PUFFED LOTUS SEEDS / FOXNUT

Phool Makhana is Puffed dried lotus seeds, also known as Foxnuts. Phool Makhana is very famous in North India during Vrat Season for making kheer, sabji or just roasting it for snacking.It is considered to be very healthy as its low in saturated fats and cholestrol content, Isn’t that nice to hear you don't need to feel guilty while you munch on these super healthy crunchy roasted phool makhana, it tastes a bit like popcorn but I tell you this is more tasty and healthier...and you can prepare it in a jiffy.

I had seen Phool makhana used to thicken gravies in North Indian curries.  But that’s all I knew about it. But when I came to live with the North Indians in Singapore, I saw that they used it extensively during the fasting season. They made a kheer(Milk dessert) out of it or used it in a vegetable or simply ate roasted Phool Makhana like popcorn. Now, this variety impressed me the most as I love popcorns.

Then again, when I googled on Phool Makhana...

I learnt that.......

1. Lotus seeds benefit the spleen, kidney, and heart.

2. The seed also has calming properties that alleviate restlessness, palpitations, and insomnia.

3. It is also rich in calcium. It can be easily digested by all the age groups.

4. It is a highly regarded herb for restoring sexual vigour and youthful energy in older men.

5. It regulates blood pressure, relieves numbness and aching near waist and knees.

6. It is Suitable for arthritis, helps fighting impotency and premature aging.

7. Makhana is very useful for women during and post pregnancy period.

8. It is also helps your respiratory system, veins and digestion.

9. Popped makhana contains almost 12% of protein! (excellent especially for vegetarians!)

Anti – aging :- Fox nuts are rich in antioxidants which works as age lock system and makes us younger for much longer. Fox nuts are effective for individuals with high risk of premature ageing, premature grey hair,wrinkles  and other signs of aging. It reverses the aging process over a period of time......This definitely has caught my Attention

Diabetes :- Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, which is accompanied by high blood glucose levels. It is a result of improper functioning of the pancreas, which secretes the insulin hormone. Fox nut is a sweet and sour seed These seeds contain starch and protein which is excellent for diabetes .

AYURVEDA AND UNANI (BRANCHES OF MEDICINE) texts have accepted its aphrodisiac and spermatogenic properties.

Herbs of phool makhana are considered worth in vajikarnana therapy.

Makhana helps in Cardiac Protection and builds the action in dysentery and frequent urination.

Phool makhana has astringent property, hence it gives relief from diarrhoea and helps to improve the appetite.

It helps in increasing the quality and quantity of semen, also prevents the premature ejaculation, increases the libido and also helps in female infertility.

Phool makhana is sweet to neutral in nature. Therefore, helps to detoxify the spleen, reinforce the kidneys and nourish the blood.

TCM

According to principles of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), fox nut is used to strengthen spleen and kidneys.  Makhana helps in conditions like arthritis, erectile dysfunction and premature aging. These seeds have antioxidant properties and help in digestion, rejuvenates respiratory system and prevents frequent urination.

“25 to 30 grams” phool makhana is considered as a healthy food/diet for the whole family.

Wow!!!!.......So many benefits...then why not add it into our daily lives....and I decided to make the healthy popcorn (Roasted Phool Makhana).

My kids loved it and kept munching. I tried adding some flavours too like chat masala, red chilly powder, pepper powder etc. They liked the original lightly salted the best though.

Ingredients

Makhana - 2 cups

Oil/Ghee – 2 tsps

Salt as per taste

In case you want to add color / flavors

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp (Yellow color)

Red Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp (Red Chilly flavour)

Paprika powder – ½ tsp (Paprika flavour)

Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp (Pepper flavour)

Chat Masala powder - 1 tsp (Masala Flavour)

Tomato powder – 1 tsp (Tomato Flavour)

Cheese powder – 2 tsp (Cheese Flavour)

Or any flavour you please. You can make a combo of flavours too....

Method

In a wok, add ghee and once the ghee is hot, add the phool makhanas and roast them. Don’t leave them unattended on the fire as they are very delicate and tend to burn fast. Keep roasting till it’s light golden in color.  Check if it’s done by sampling one...If it’s crunchy then it’s done. Put off the gas.

Add salt and toss. Fill a nice bowl with the crunchy phool makhanas and enjoy this healthy snack 

In case you want to add flavours then,

After sampling add in the spice powders of your choice and toss.  Serve and Enjoy.

If you’ve made a big batch then let the Phool Makhana cool down completely then store them in an airtight container. Phool Makhana has a very good shelf life, you can store them in air tight container for many months. Keep them away from the moisture and direct sun light.

Tips

·         The plain salted tastes better when roasted in Ghee

·         After you add the spice powders don’t toss with the gas burner on as the spice powders will catch       the bottom and burn spoiling your batch of makhanas.