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Makhane Ki Kheer

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Time35 Min
DifficultyIntermediate
Serves4

The fox nut or Makhana as it is more commonly known as is a locally sourced condiment and an essential ingredient in a delectable Indian pudding called the “Makhane ki Kheer”. A multi-use ingredient with several essential goodies packed in it, the fox nut, the lotus seed, or the “makhana” is an ingredient which is well known in the Indian households. The seed can be locally sourced from lotus plan ... t beddings set up in different parts of the Indian subcontinent especially in the Gangetic plains. A gluten-free, protein-rich seed, the makhana is a popular snacking element in Indian households. Whether it’s using the fox nuts as a substitute for popcorn or turning it into a yummy dessert. These seeds are processed for them to be edible. Makhana kheer recipe is one such variant of the numerous recipes that are made from this nutritious nut. The kheer is a perfect substitute for unnatural sweeteners and unhealthy sugars in your diet. In many parts of India, Makhana kheer is an ultimate festival sweet dish. The kheer is decorated with half-cut makhana and strands of saffron for an ultimate drooling picture. The kheer is thoroughly enjoyed in parts of Bihar, UP, and Chattisgarh. The textured kheer, owing to its speciality of makhana, is a delectable indulgence. A very important sweet during “Navratri” the famous Indian festival, this kheer can be eaten during the fasting periods as well. The central Indian wetlands are the main source of the fox nuts. These nuts are largely sourced from here.

Nutrition Info. (per serving)

ProteinFatCarbsFibre334 Cal334 Cal334 Cal334 Cal
  • 12gProtein
  • 15gFat
  • 38gCarbs
  • 0gFibre

Ingredients

Dry Grocery

Lotus Seed

Lotus Seed

1 cup

Jaggery Powder

Jaggery Powder

0.25 cups

Saffron

Saffron

1 pinch

Cardamom Powder

Cardamom Powder

0.5 teaspoons

Full Cream Milk

Full Cream Milk

1000 ml

Other

Ghee

Ghee

3 teaspoons

Pista

Pista

7 units

Directions
1
Heat the ghee in a non- stick pan, add makhana and saute on a medium flame for 3-4 minutes or till it turns crispy. Do not burn.
2
Remove it from the flame, let it cool and blend in a mixer to a coarse powder, keep it aside.
3
Boil milk in a pan and cook till it gets a thick consistency. Add makhana powder and cook for a few minutes .
4
Add saffron and green cardamom powder .
5
As the kheer thickens, turn off the flame and add jaggery powder and mix well.
6
Refrigerate the makhana kheer for at least an hour and serve chilled, garnished with pista slices .
Nutritional information
Traditional Indian delicacies such as the makhane ki kheer are one of the many most nutritious yet tasty desserts. These include the fox nut which is supposed to be rich in protein and is low in cholesterol, fat, and sodium. This key ingredient to the makhana kheer recipe is recommended for diabetic patients as it has a low glycemic index. These gluten-free nuts are great workers of protein damage control. The lotus seeds are said to contain astringent properties which aid in healing and maintaining a healthy kidney and an ideal weight-loss snack. The makhana is the key to a delicious kheer. The infused flavours of saffron, cashews, and makhanas make the kheer irresistible. This healthy alternative to the age-old recipe of rice kheer is a great way to cut out unhealthy sugars from your diet. Try out this supremely tasty recipe of Makhane ki kheer.

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We hope you had fun making it! Enjoy the meal.

Makhane Ki Kheer
What Is Makhane Ki Kheer? Makhane ki kheer is a delicious and creamy Indian pudding prepared with Makhana (fox nuts), mill, dry fruits, and nuts. You can also use jaggery or artificial sweeteners instead of sugar to make makhana kheer healthier. The dish is often prepared on special occasions and festivals as a dessert. In fact, some people prepare Makahane ki kheer as a customary ritual at festivals like Navratri and Krishna Janamashtami. You can make Makahan kheer in just 30 minutes and also include it in your daily diet. In case you do not know how to cook it, there are plenty of videos of makhana kheer recipes available online. You can even find makhana kheer recipe in Hindi and learn how to prepare it easily. If you love makhane ki kheer, you can also try other puddings such as vegan rice kheer, apple kheer, Gulab ki kheer, sabudana kheer, vermicelli kheer, and so on.
Origin
The exact origin of Makhane ki kheer is not known but Makhana’s presence dates back to hundreds of years. Also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, Makhana’s original cultivation is believed to be done at Madhubani, a popular Mithilanchal region of Bihar. As per the sources, it is here that Makhana was cultivated initially and later spread to other parts of the country. They have been used in Chinese medicine and find an important place in the science of Ayurveda too. Now, it is being cultivated in Pakistan, Canada, China, Malaysia, Bangladesh due to its high demand. In fact, Makhana is touted as a superfood due to its high nutritional value.
Tips & Tricks
A makhane ki kheer recipe is never complete without tips and tricks that not only makes sure you do not end up ruining the makhana kheer but also turns the entire process easier. And since we have already shared the makhana kheer recipe, it is time to unveil some expert tips. Follow these while preparing makhane ki kheer and we are sure you would love the end results: While making makhane ki kheer, make sure you powder 2/3 part of Makhana and keep the left part as a whole. If needed, you can also chop the makhanas. The different ways to add Makhana add a different texture to your makhane ki kheer. For instance, the powdered Makhana maintains the thickness and smooth consistency of the makhana kheer. The chopped and whole ones are important because, well, it is called makhane ki kheer for a reason! You can bite them and enjoy a crunchy taste while relishing the kheer. Another thing you can do at this point (while chopping or separating the makhanas) is to roast the makhanas on a low to medium flame in ghee. This particular step makes sure your Makhana are crunchy and even tastier. While choosing makhanas for your makhana kheer recipe, pick only the ones that are fresh and not rancid. When following the makhana kheer recipe, also pay attention to the utensils being used. We would suggest you use a heavy-bottomed pan as it will prevent scorching at the bottom. In case you do not have a heavy-bottom pan, you can also use a skillet on the flame. Another way to prevent scorching is to add ¼ cup of water to the pan before adding the milk. Traditionally, people use sugar for making makhana kheer. But, if you have noticed, we have used jaggery instead of sugar in our makhane ki kheer recipe. The reason behind this is that sugar can be harmful to your health, especially if you have diabetes. Jaggery, however, is a healthy alternative that you can use in other dishes too without feeling guilty. Jaggery also gives extra colour and creamy texture to makhane ki kheer. Whenever you are making makhane ki kheer, do not add sugar/jagger in the beginning. Rather, add the sweetener only in the last stages when the milk has thickened. This will make sure you do not end up adding too much sweetener. Also, once you have added the jaggery/sugar, cook only for 5 minutes and then turn off the flame. If you want a yellowish colour to the otherwise white kheer, cover the pan with a lid while cooking. Some people also prefer adding kewra water to their makhane ki kheer recipe. If you want to do that, add it only when you serve the kheer. The consistency of makhane ki kheer changes a lot, especially as it cools down. You can add a little cold milk in case it becomes too thick after cooling down. While boiling the milk, you will notice that the evaporated milk gets lined on the side of the container in the form of thick cream. You can scrape the evaporated milk cream with a spoon and add it to the milk for a thicker consistency. If you wish to make makhane ki kheer quickly, here is a quick tip. Roast the Makhana in ghee beforehand and store them in an airtight container. This way, you will not have to roast them again when you cook the kheer later.
Is Makhana Kheer Good For Health?
Yes, Makhana kheer is quite healthy and full of nutrition. One of the main reasons behind that is the Makhana. People use makhane in superfoods recipes due to its high nutritional value. Along with that, the goodness of milk and nuts increase the health benefits of this delicious kheer. To give you an idea, here are some of the health benefits of common ingredients you often find in Makhana kheer.
Health Benefits of Makhana
The main ingredient of this kheer, i.e. Makhana, is loaded with vitamins and minerals that make it a must-have when you wish to have a healthy diet. Some of the best benefits of having Makhana are: Rich in Nutrients: Makhana is an excellent source of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. Along with that, it also contains a good amount of protein and fibre. High in Antioxidants: Antioxidants help in fighting the free radical damage in the body. Makhanas contain specific antioxidants like gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin that further help in protecting against chronic heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Antioxidants also reduce inflammation and are beneficial in inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Good For Bones: Makhana is known for having high quantities of calcium that helps in maintaining the health of your bones and teeth. It also lowers your chances of getting joint problems and osteoporosis. Helps in Maintaining Blood Pressure: While Makhana does have a lot of nutrients, the quantity of sodium is not much high. This makes it a great good for those who are suffering from high blood pressure. It also helps in keeping the blood pressure in check. Has Anti-Ageing Properties: Yes, you read it right. Makhana can help in reversing the signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines, and even premature greying of hair. This happens because of the presence of antioxidants. These fight the free radicals and slow down the process of ageing to give you younger and healthy skin and hair. Promote Heart Health: Though there is not much research available to back this fact, it is known that makhana seeds may benefit heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels in the body. May Help in Weight Loss: Makhana is a great way to add more fibre and protein to your diet – thereby, promoting weight loss. It is also believed that having Makhana also reduces your food cravings by making you feel fuller for long hours. This regulates your appetite and causes lower calorie consumption.
Health Benefits of Milk
A glass of milk is often considered a whole meal in itself. Now imagine that mixed with Makhane ki recipe! The combination is ultimately quite healthy and delicious. We have also jotted down the benefits of milk to tell you how it impacts your health. Read on: High In Calcium: Around 250ml of milk contains close to 285mg calcium and that is about 20% of your daily requirement of this mineral. This means, when you take milk, you ensure strong bone health and teeth. If you drink milk on a regular basis, you can also reduce your chances of getting osteopenia, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Calcium is also helpful in making your heart pump by allowing your muscles to contract. Reduces Risk of Obesity: Some people also drink milk to feel fuller. Add some chocolate power and you can also fight your cravings and achieve the recommended calorie consumption. Fights Depression: Milk also contains Vitamin D which plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin or the happy hormone.
Health Benefits of Dry Fruits
A makhane ki kheer is often filled with plenty of nuts and dry fruits such as almonds, raisins, pista, or kaaju. Let’s see how these boost your health: Rich in Nutrition: Most dry fruits are loaded with proteins, vitamins, minerals and fibre, making them a great way to fulfil your dietary needs. Some of the common ones are Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Riboflavin, Vitamin A-C-E-K-B6 and Zinc. Their consumption can mean you will have a healthy heart and strong immune system. Better Digestion: As we just mentioned, nuts contain fibre. This allows them to improve your digestion and overall health. Good Source of Protein: Vegetarians often find it difficult to get protein and iron. Nuts can be of great help in such a situation as they are a rich source of both these nutrients.
Health Benefits of Jaggery
An amazing alternative to sugar in the makhane ki kheer recipe, jaggery brings forth a wide range of health benefits. Let’s take a look at some: Great For Digestion: Often, people consume jaggery as a dessert after meals. This is because of its ability to stimulate the bowel and prevent any digestion issues. So if you have been dealing with constipation or other digestive issues, it is time to add some jaggery to your diet. Detoxes Your Body: In a book called Food Chemistry, it is stated that the antioxidants and minerals present in jaggery has a property that can clear off the mucus from the lungs and also detoxify the respiratory and digestive tracts. In fact, you can help your body detoxify better by eating jaggery at least once a day. Prevents Anaemia: Jaggery is also packed with minerals such as iron and phosphorus; which makes it a good food for those who have low haemoglobin levels in the body. Those who have anaemia or are at risk of developing this condition should definitely consume jaggery. Aids in Weight Loss: Opting for jaggery instead of white sugar is not just a good way to control your blood glucose levels but also a way of keeping a check on your weight. Jaggery also helps in keeping you feel fuller and prevent any extra cravings which are especially important when you are trying to lose weight.
Is Makhana Used In Fasting?
Absolutely yes. As we already mentioned, makhana kheer is one of the most popular foods Indians eat for fasting during festivals. This simple and easy dish is not just tasty but also rich in protein and carbohydrates that gives energy for the whole day. This is the reason you would find various makhane ki recipe ranging from simple roasted makhanas to the makhana kheer for fast. So if you ever feel the hunger pangs and want something yummy during your next fast, this is a great option to try. You can quickly find a makhana kheer recipe in Hindi and prepare it for you and your loved ones!
Can We Have Makhana With Milk?
Definitely, that is what makhana kheer recipe is all about. However, eating dried makhanas with milk is not what we would recommend. This combination can cause bloating and thus uneasiness. So, stick to the makhane ki kheer recipe and enjoy this superfood. To know more about healthy recipes, explore our website.
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