Spicy Roasted Foxnuts / Phool Makhana ~ Easy Tea Time Snack

Phool Makhana /  Lotus Seeds are same and widely called as Foxnuts. The seeds are edible from lotus plant can be widely used in cooking both as sweet or savory, fried or roasted.  Indian cuisines include this in making curry, pulao, dessert also it is a good substitute for thickening the gravies. The seeds taste neutral can blend with any food ingredients when cooked.

Foxnuts are rich in anti-oxidants, high in fibre and good source of potassium. Regulates blood pressure and treats insomnia problems too.  Roasted foxnuts is a guilt-free snack can munch at any time. People like me who loves popcorn, can replace with a bowl of healthy lotus pops. The munching of seeds in between meals is a good  diet as it digest easily.

The seeds are white and round in shape, that appears to be like popcorn  with dark spots.

Ingredients:

Makhani / foxnuts - 2 cups

Chilli Powder - 1 tsp

Chaat Masala - 1 tsp

Turmeric Powder - a Pinch
Onion - 1/2 medium
Tomato paste - 1 tbsp

Salt - 1/4 tsp

Oil - 1 tbsp

Method:

1) Heat oil in a fry pan. Once hot, stir in the foxnuts and toss constantly for about 8 - 10 minutes or until crisp under low flame. You can even taste a piece of nut to check whether it turned crispy to chomp. Keep it aside.

2) Now add some oil, then add onion and fry until golden brown.

3) Add the tomato paste and mix well.

2) Add the chilli powder, salt and turmeric. Toss to combine evenly. Sprinkle chaat masala and roasted foxnuts and turn off the fire.

 Serve with hot tea or at any time.

Note:

1) Chaat masala, chilly powder can be replaced with sambhar powder.

2) The seeds have good shelf life and can be stored in a air container.

3) Another variation would be to replace chaat masala with garam masala and amchur powder of same proportion.

4) The roasted seeds can be used in making curries along with vegetables at the final stage. 

5) Use the seeds in making Makhana kheer, Dal makhani, Paneer Makhana Masala, Makhana Pulao.

6) Onion and tomato paste can be avoided too.