Chaitra Navratri fasting - friendly quick and delicious Makhana recipes

Good choice for Diabetic Patients

People rejoice and worship the Goddess Durga in all her glory. The festival of Navratri comes twice a year and during this time, devotees are laden with love and admiration for the Maa Durga and her 9 forms. This auspicious 9 day festival is celebrated during the months of March and April and is thus known as Chaitra Navratri. 

Hindu mythology states that Chaitra Navratri signifies the creation of the universe and the beginning of the world. People across the country, especially North Indians in the arrival of the Chaitra Navratri by observing a fast, performing pujas and making various sweets related to this festival. 

The versatile and super - healthy makhanas of Lotus seeds can be used to rustle up a variety of delicacies, especially during Navratri fasting when the food choices are limited. From crunchy and filling tea - time snack to rich and delicious Indian Desserts, there are lot of savoury and sweet dishes that can be prepared with Makhana. 

Include makhanas to your satvik diet before Chaitra Navratri ends. The nine day festival is being observed from April 02 to April 11, 2022. During Navratri most of the people, especially those who are fasting avoid salt, wheat, rice, onion, garlic and non - vegetarian food. 

Rich in antioxidants, proteins, carbs, makhana is also a low glycaemic index foods which makes it a good choice even for people with diabetes. They also keep you full and help you curb those hunger pangs as you fast from morning to evening. 

Here are some quick & delicious recipes for you: - 

* Makhana Kheer 

 (Ingredients)

• Popped Lotus seeds 

• 1/2 cup cashew nuts 

• 2 tbsp ghee rock salt 

• 1/2 tbsp cardamom 

• 3 cups milk 

• Sugar (as per taste / health)

• Dry fruits chopped 

(Method)

• Roast the seeds and some cashew nuts into a pan with a little ghee and season with rock salt. 

• As soon as it cools, take 3/4 of the mixture and grind it in a blender with some cardamom. 

• In a seperate deep pan, bring to boil 2-3 cups of milk. 

• Add sugar followed by the grind makhana mixture, and stir well. 

• Add the remaining roasted makhana and cashew.

• continue stirring until it thickens.

• The kheer can be served either hot or cold, garnished with chopped dry fruits. 

* Makhana Aloo Crisp 

(Ingredients) 

• 4 medium potatoes, boiled, mashed 

• 1 cup Lotus seeds 

• 1 green chillies, finely chopped 

• 2 tablespoon roasted peanuts, crushed 

• a small bunch of coriander leaves, finely chopped 

• 3 tbsp ragi flour 

• 1-2 tbsp crushed panner

• 1 tbsp chaat masala powder 

• 1 tbsp garam masala powder 

• 1/4 tbsp red chilli powder 

• Black salt to taste 

• Oil for cooking 

(Method) 

• Roast the makhana in a pan with little bit of ghee until crunchy and coarsely it. 

• Mashed the potatoes and all the remaining ingredients in a bowl. Check the salt and spices and adjust to suit your taste. 

• Shape the potato makhana mixture into small balls and pan fry them in a very little oil until golden brown on both sides. 

• Serve your aloo makhana crisp with dhaniya pudina no onion no garlic chutney to relish your tea time snack.