Spicy Masala Makhana Recipe

Have you ever heard of masala makhana? This is a super easy and tasty snack that you can prepare at a moment’s notice – provided you can get your hands on the ingredients! 

They are quick, easy, and packed full of all the best flavors you could hope for. 

Also called roasted phool makhana masala, spicy masala makhana is a super healthy and flavorsome snack hailing from India. 

In as little as 10 minutes, you can have a delightful snack to dig into if you follow the recipe we’ve laid out below. 

Why You Are Going to Love This Recipe

There are lots of reasons to love this spicy masala makhana recipe absolutely. However, we will focus on the top few reasons why you are going to be head over heels for this delectable snack:

• You can alter the recipe to suit your preferences – where the species are involved; you can alter the recipe however you like to be better for you and your needs.
• They have potential health benefits – makhanas might have a range of health benefits, and they are also a great snack for weight loss because they are so low in calories. The anti-aging enzymes in them also make them great for repairing damaged proteins. 
• It’s so quick and easy to make – the whole process only takes around 10 minutes or less, so you can whip this up in no time. It’s perfect for cravings and quick snacks.
• Perfect snack for anyone – kids will love these as much as adults. They are crispy and packed full of flavor, so you really can’t go wrong with them. 
• Makhanas are healthy – makhanas are low in sodium and full of a range of beneficial minerals and nutrients. They are also low in fat and a great light snack for anyone. 

What Are You Going to Need to Make Masala Makhana?

Ready to make this tasty snack? Here’s what you are going to need:

• 2 cups makhana (puffed lotus seeds): The star of the recipe, easily available in Indian grocery stores or online. Roast them before use, even if pre-roasted.
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil.
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder: Adjust to taste for spiciness.
• 1/2 teaspoon black salt: Adds a unique salty flavor; regular salt can be substituted if unavailable.
• 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala powder: A tangy spice blend that enhances the flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder: Adds color and a subtle earthiness.

Spicy Masala Makhana: Step-by-Step Instructions

You will be shocked to see just how easy this recipe really is – and it only takes 10 minutes or less! 

We will go through everything you need to know about making these spicy masala makhanas below:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan.
2. Add your makhanas to the pan and gently stir them to prevent them from burning. They should cook for 4–5 minutes before they begin to look crispy.
3. You can check to see if they are cooked enough by taking one in your hand and crushing it. It should crunch as it breaks, so if it doesn’t, give them more time to cook.
4. Once they are crunchy, transfer them to a bowl and allow them to cool off.
5. In the same pan, add a little more oil and the spices you are going to use. Make sure to keep the temperature low. Mix everything together quickly and allow the spices to bloom. 
6. When the spices become very aromatic, you can add the makhanas back to the pan and coat them thoroughly with the spices.
7. Once fully coated, remove the makhanas from the pan and enjoy! You can serve them immediately or allow them to cool to room temperature and store them in a dry, airtight container. 

Tips and Tricks for Making Makhana

It’s easy for things to go wrong, even with recipes as simple as this! So, take a look at the tips and tricks that you can keep in mind when you are making your spicy masala makhanas. 

Remember to Cook Everything at a Low Temperature

Turn the temperature up too high, and you are going to burn everything in no time. Keep the heat low throughout the cooking process, and you will get great results. The makhanas will be nice and crispy without any burnt patches, and the spices will not turn black. 

Don’t Use Too Much Oil

It is very easy to go overboard with oil, but try not to. Limit the amount of oil you use so that it only coats the makhanas – you do not want them to soak up oil. 

Too much oil will make the whole dish incredibly unpleasant and difficult to eat. Go easy on it, and only add a little at a time. 

Cook Everything to Your Preferences

The great thing about these kinds of recipes is that they can be altered to suit your preferences. You can add as much or as little salt as you like, and the same goes for every spice in here, too! 

It also means that you can avoid the ingredients that you know you don’t like or may be allergic to. You can simply have a lot of fun with the tastes and experiment until you find something that you love. 

Serving Suggestions for Spicy Masala Makhana

Because of their format, it is super easy to just grab a handful of spicy masala makhanas whenever you feel the urge for something crispy and packed full of flavor. It is fantastic for any time of day but also pairs wonderfully with masala tea or coffee in the evening. 

Spicy masala makhana is great for people who are on the go all the time, and they are ideal for traveling. Because of this, they are also perfect for including in school lunches so that your kids can have a healthy and flavorful snack when they are at school. 

Makhana Variations to Try Out

There are lots of delightful variations you could try out with this easy-peasy recipe. However, they all revolve around different spices that you can use and how hot you can make the makhanas. 

Try Different Spice Combinations

If you know a spice combination that you absolutely love, then you should try that out, too! You can have a lot of fun with spices and use garam masala, kasoori methi, garlic powder, coriander, and many more if you are feeling adventurous. 

To top everything off, you could even add red chili flakes to the mix and get a real kick out of them. Just be sure to add these at the end if you do, or else they might burn! 

How Much Should You Have in a Sitting?

One or two handfuls is ideal, but you could really have as much as you like. This food may have a range of great health benefits, but you should always enjoy things in moderation rather than overdoing it. 

Storing Leftovers

You should keep your makhana leftovers in a clean and dry, airtight container. Stored at room temperature, this delicious snack should last for a week, and you can enjoy them over a period of time!

Try to finish your makhana within a week. If you start to notice an unusual smell from them, or they don’t look right, it is time to throw them out. This may be difficult to tell due to the spices, though, so stick to a week to be safe!

Final Thoughts

This spicy masala makhana recipe is so quick and easy to make, and they are bound to be a popular snack in your house. 

If you can get your hands on all the right ingredients, make sure to follow the steps carefully and always keep that temperature down when you’re cooking everything!

While the recipe is simple, if you burn the puffed lotus seeds or the spices, everything will be ruined. If you don’t, however, you have a hack of a tasty snack on your hands.