Makhana chivda, or fried makhana mix, is basically a sweet and spicy Indian trail mix.
It is loaded with crunch and flavor. Made with crispy and crunchy makhanas (water lily seeds), chewy sweet raisins, spicy cashews, chewy coconut flakes and feathery crisp curry leaves – it's a mix that will leave you chowing down for more.
Like trail mix, this hot and spicy makhana chivda makes the perfect snack. You can take it with you on a road trip, or enjoy it as a snack with something want masala or Cardamom Spiced Iced Coffee. If you have friends over, you can put out a bowl of this mixture just like you put out a bowl of chips or nuts. Your friends will appreciate this sweet, spicy and salty dish!
What is Makhana?
Makhana is the dried water lily seed (sometimes called lotus seed). They are also known as Foxnut or Phul Makhana. These seeds are popped like popcorn and look like what you see in the photo above
Butter is healthy, tasty and nutritious – they are said to be rich in nutrients and are also a source of protein (about 5 or 6 grams of protein per 100 grams of butter).
You don't want to eat them without toasting them first. Cooking the makhana in the oven makes them shriveled.
Many people fry makhana in ghee and spices and make a snack out of it – love this recipe here. Sometimes I'll make a simple version that's like masala spiced popcorn. Today, I am sharing a flavored makhana mix with dry fruits (raisins) and dry nuts (cashews).
If you're looking for another delicious and unique way to use butter, give me a try Makhana curry A try.
Fried Makhana Mix Ingredients
- Frozen Coconut Slices: I use frozen coconut slices – you can easily find them at your local Indian grocery store. I recommend getting the Daily Delight brand. Other brands of coconut may have coarse chunks, so you'll want to cut the larger chunks into thin slices.
- spices Salt, Black Salt, Fennel Seed Powder, Amchur Powder, Coriander Powder, Turmeric, Kashmiri Chilli Powder/Paprika, Black Pepper, Roasted Cumin Powder
- powdered sugar
- ghee
- curry leaves
- Half the cashews
- Golden Raisins/Sultanas
- house (flower water lily seeds): You can find this ingredient at your local Indian grocery store or on amazon.
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How to make Roasted Makhana Mix
This spicy mixture is so easy to make!
Prepare the ingredients and then toast the curry leaves, coconut flakes, cashews and golden raisins in some ghee.
Add the butter, followed by a little more ghee and the spices (this helps the spices stick!), and fry for another minute. Then let it cool and enjoy!
I hope you love this simple and delicious dish – let me know what you think!
More Indian Snacks to Try:
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Melt coconut flakes and place on paper towels.
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Add spices and powdered sugar to a bowl and mix well. Set aside for now.
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Add 2 tablespoons of melted ghee to a pan over low to medium heat. Wait 1 minute, then add the curry leaves, coconut flakes, cashews and golden raisins and toast for 2 minutes.
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Turn the heat to medium, add the butter and fry for 4 minutes (turn down the heat if something seems to be browning too quickly!).
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Add the remaining 1 tablespoon melted ghee and drizzle over the butter, then sprinkle the spices on top and fry for 1 minute.
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Let the mixture cool in the pan for 20 minutes, stirring once in a while.
For frozen coconut slices, try getting the Daily Delight brand. Other brands of coconut may have coarse chunks, so you'll want to cut the larger chunks into thin slices.