Healthy Snacking: Roasted Ghee Makhana

In the world of snacking, it's rare to find something that is both incredibly delicious and genuinely healthy. Enter Roasted Ghee Makhana. Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals. When roasted slowly in fragrant Nava Durga Ghee, they transform from a humble seed into a light, airy, and unbelievably crunchy snack that satisfies all your cravings.

Core Ingredients

• 2 cups Makhana (Fox Nuts)
• 1.5 tbsp Nava Durga Pure Ghee
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder (for color and health benefits)
• 1/2 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt or regular salt, to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground

The Roasting Process

1. Heat the Ghee: In a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, melt the ghee over low-medium heat. It's important to keep the heat low to prevent the ghee and makhana from burning.
2. Roast the Makhana: Add the makhana to the pan. Begin to roast them, stirring continuously and tossing them to ensure they are evenly coated with ghee and heated uniformly.
3. Patience is Key: This process will take about 8-10 minutes. You're looking for the makhana to become crisp and turn a very light golden color.
4. The Crunch Test: To check if they are perfectly roasted, take one makhana from the pan (let it cool for a second) and press it between your thumb and finger. It should crush easily with a distinct, satisfying crunch. If it's still chewy, continue roasting for a few more minutes.
5. Season and Serve: Once perfectly crisp, turn off the heat. Immediately sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and turmeric powder over the makhana. Toss everything together well to ensure the spices coat the makhana evenly.
6. Cool Down: Allow the roasted makhana to cool completely before enjoying. They will become even crispier as they cool. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their crunch for up to a week.

Flavor Variations to Try

The beauty of this snack is its versatility. You can customize the seasoning to your liking:

• Spicy Masala: Add a pinch of red chili powder and chaat masala along with the salt.
• Herby Delight: Toss with dried mint powder (pudina) or other dried herbs like oregano.
• Sweet Treat: For a sweet version, roast in ghee and then toss with powdered jaggery or a cinnamon-sugar mix.