It is critical to provide a child with well-balanced and nutritious snacks to ensure that they grow up well and develop properly. An example of a good alternative to such snacks is makhana ,which is also known as fox-nuts or lotus seeds.
In this blog, you will explore what makhana is? How to roast makhana?, and what are the benefits of makhana? At home, you can ensure a wholesome snack option for your child.
What is makhana?
In Indian cuisine, people love to have lotus seeds or fox nuts, also known as Makhana, as a snack. It is not only delicious in taste but also very nourishing, making it a wonderful option for babies, toddlers, or older children. Makhana that is roasted can be prepared quickly and easily. It’s an appetising snack which the small ones will certainly enjoy.
What are the benefits of Makhana for kids?
- Nutrient-rich: Makhana has carbohydrates, fibre, protein, and important minerals like magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. These are important for muscle development and to increase energy level.
- Easy to digest: Makhana is easy to digest but also gentle on the stomach. Children would find it the perfect snack, especially those with delicate tummies.
- Energy booster: Makhana carbohydrates give immediate energy to kids on the move, which makes it ideal for school or playtime snacks.
- Rich in antioxidants: The presence of kaempferol in makhana works positively in the immune system by protecting the body against oxidative stress.
- Promotes growth: Makhana has protein content, which helps in muscle growth and repair. It is essential for the overall health of developing children.
Here’s a simple makhana recipe:
- Ingredients
- Take 2 cups of Makhana (Fox Nuts/Lotus Seeds)
- Add one tablespoon of Ghee or Butter
- Salt (optional)
- Cinnamon Powder
- Powdered Jaggery (optional for sweetness)
- How to dry roast makhana?
- Add ghee or butter (Optional)
- Seasoning
First, preheat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. Then put the makhana on the pan and roast for around 5-7 minutes while stirring. Do not use any oil because it helps make them crispy by removing excess liquid. It looks like popcorn.
Once the makhana is golden brown and crunchy, you can add butter or ghee to your frying pan. You may opt for either one based on your child’s taste. But the latter brings out a richer flavour. Make sure that the ghee/butter is mixed well so that it is even all over the makhana.
Sprinkle salt over the makhana as per taste. If you want to add sweetness, you can sprinkle powdered jaggery instead of salt. You can add cinnamon powder as well. Toss the makhana well to ensure the seasoning coats them uniformly.
How to roast makhana in an oven?
Instructions:
- Keep the oven for preheating.
- Turn the oven on to 180°C (350°F), then preheat it. Make sure you have heated it up before putting in the makhana to roast.
- Transfer the seasoned makhana to a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread them out in a single layer.
- Place the tray in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Keep checking on them to prevent burning. Stir once or twice in between for even roasting.
- Once done, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool completely. It will become crunchier as they cool down.
- Once it has cooled, you can transfer it to an airtight container.
Tips:
- You may adjust the taste based on what your child likes, using different types of savoury aside from salt. You can try black pepper, chaat masala, or anything else your child likes.
- The crispiness of the makhana is preserved by storing them in an airtight container.
- Roasted makhana can be a choking hazard for babies and toddlers if not crushed properly. For younger children, crush them into smaller pieces before serving.
- You can add roasted nuts like almonds, cashews, or peanuts to make it more nutritious and flavourful.
To make your child’s diet more appealing, you can include roasted makhana. Roasted makhana, being the children’s favourite snack, is esteemed for its softness and tastiness. The simple makhana snack has a wide range of health advantages. Everything from a school lunchbox meal to something munchable at playtime, roasted makhana is just perfect. What are you waiting for? Just make this simple dish today so that your kids can enjoy every crispy mouthful of this healthy treat.
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