The two recipes for Makhana snacks that I posted earlier were appreciated by many so I am posting another version for Diwali. This has dry fruits and peanuts apart from a few other healthy ingredients. You can either roast the ingredients or lightly toast them in a little ghee. Ghee, as you know, is good for health if eaten in moderation.
This crispy, low fat, low calorie snack is high on nutrition and pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of Chai. You can eat it during fasting days too. It has a low Glycimic index and is protein rich, high in carbohydrates, gluten free and naturally vegan.
Ingredients :
Makhana or Lotus Seeds – 2 cups
Ghee – 2 tbsp
Peanuts – 1/4 cup
Raisins – 1/2 cup
Almonds – 1/2 cup
Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves – 10-12
Chopped green chili – 2 tsp
Dry coconut slices – 1 few
Turmeric powder – 1 tsp (optional)
Salt ( Either sendha or normal table salt) – As per taste
Chaat masala – As per taste
Black pepper powder – 1/2 tsp
Dried fresh mint and methi (fenugreek) leaves – 1/4 tsp
Roasted chana daal – 4 tbsp
Roasted cornflakes – 3-4 tbsp
Rice puffs – 1/4 cup
Method –
Heat a pan and add a little ghee. Add makhanas and roast them on low heat till they turn light golden and become crunchy. To test, take one fox nut and press between your fingers, it should crumble. Take them out in a plate.
Add almonds and toast them till they change color. Remove and toast the peanut till slight brown. You can add a little ghee and lightly fry them them too. Remove in a plate.
Lightly roast coconut slices and remove.
Now, add the remaining ghee to the pan. Add mustard seeds and when they crackle, add chopped green chili and curry leaves. Fry them till the moisture evaporates and they become crisp. Turn off the gas.
Add the peanuts, almonds, raisins and stir. Add makhana and stir. Add salt, chaat masala, black pepper powder to it and mix well.
Take it out in a bowl and let it cool. Store in an airtight container.
I made one version like this and to the other added roasted cornflakes, rice puffs, roasted chana daal too. ( you need to wash and soak the dal for at least an hour before roasting)
I skipped turmeric in the first variation and only used it for certain ingredients but you should use for the entire mixture.
You can also add roasted cashew nuts and different seeds to it.
Enjoy this healthy gluten free high protein snack with hot tea.