Masala Makhana for Navratri (A spiced Cashew and Foxnut mix)

An auspicious 9 days are observed in India twice a year,one being in September/October and the other in March/April depending on the days the Lunar Calendar shows the time of arrival of the auspicious days. The Goddess Kali/Durga is worshipped in this time and mostly people refrain from having meat,grain or lentils and observe a period of “fasting” during the day and prayer during the nights which is why the festival is called Navratri (Nav means 9 in Hindi and Ratri means Nights) and the diet includes all natural foods like fruits,milk,honey and nuts and this is broken only after the 9th day.

The theme for the FoodieMondayBloghop was Navratri Special and I present Masala Makhana – Foxnuts tossed with cashews and spiced which is so delicious and so apt for those who observe the fasts!

You can include peanuts,curry leaves and pressed rice while you are roasting the ingredients however I like it best this way!

The honey is used to make all the spices stick to the ingredients. Upon cooling to room temperature the taste is unbeatable!

Preparation Time : 15 minutes

Makes : 4 – 5 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 cup Foxnuts (makhana)

1/4 cup Cashews

1 tsp oil

The spice mix :

1 tsp salt (use rock salt if you are observing the fast)

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp red chilli powder (optional)

1/2 tsp cumin powder (jeera)

2 tsp honey

METHOD

Heat oil on medium heat and roast Cashews till they change colour. Now lower the heat and add the foxnuts. Roast for 5 – 7 minutes till they turn crisp. Add the salt and spices and mix well.

Drizzle the honey on top and toss well so that the spices coat the nuts.Cool to room temperature and store in airtight containers.Its addictive so make plenty!

10 thoughts on “Masala Makhana for Navratri (A spiced Cashew and Foxnut mix)”

The Girl Next Door says:

October 8, 2018 at 6:11 pm

Such a healthy recipe for Navratri, Amrita! Looks absolutely delicious! 🙂

mayurisjikoni says:

October 8, 2018 at 6:25 pm

Amrita,this a healthy and nutritious snack to snack on even when one is not fasting. Love the idea of adding honey to make the spices stick to the cashew nuts and makhana, otherwise it mostly gets left at the bottom of the container.

Sujata Roy says:

October 8, 2018 at 7:29 pm

Perfect share for Navratri. I love fried makhana. Loved you made it with only one teaspoon oil. Adding honey is an excellent idea.It’s little sweetness definitely enhance the taste. I would love to try it also without fasting. Perfect tea time snack. And perfect for guilt free munching.

Seema Doraiswamy Sriram says:

October 9, 2018 at 10:25 am

I love this one. I always find the masala annoyingly on the bottom of the jar… now that is solved. Making it your way from now on.

Vidya Narayan says:

October 9, 2018 at 11:49 am

Makhana is my favourite – Fasting or not! I loved the addition of honey to make it interesting. Also Cashews over Almonds another good addition. Perfect tex mex style snack option with tea.

Sasmita Sahoo Samanta says:

October 11, 2018 at 6:40 pm

What a lovely share Amrita !!! wanna munch right away from screen. Lovely festive delight 🙂

poonampagar says:

October 14, 2018 at 5:38 pm

Roasted masala Makhan is a healthy delicious a munchie whether fasting or not. Loved the addition of honey in it. Lovely share for the theme Amrita !

Preethi Prasad says:

October 14, 2018 at 6:36 pm

A perfect snack option anytime.Addition of honey sounds interesting.Fab share for the theme.

kritisinghal2403 says:

October 14, 2018 at 8:43 pm

Perfect snacks for everytime…I use to keep it with me while on long drive etc as well.. So healthy and delicious 🙂

PepperOnPizza says:

October 15, 2018 at 2:09 pm

Nice recipe, and perfect for Navaratri or just as a healthy snack with a hot cup of tea. This masala makhana would be a nice substitute for the traditional sundal made for Navaratri golu in Tamil Nadu, too!