MAKHANE KI SABZI/MAKHANA  CURRY

Makhana a healthy vegan food is known by several names as lotus seeds/fox nuts and phool makhana.Variety of recipes can be prepared using makhana.It is also used in fasting, for making sweets and curry or sabji.It is highly nutritious and a good source of protein,calcium and many other minerals.There are number of benefits of makhana.It helps for digestion,weight management and a good diabetic food.

Makhane ki sabzi is a simple and delicious curry made with roasted makhana,It is a change from regular vegetables in everyday cooking and ingredients used are easily available in our kitchen.It makes dinner healthy and different.

PREP TIME    : 10 mins
COOK TIME  : 25 mins
TOTAL TIME : 35 mins
CUISINE         :Indian, Vegan
SERVINGS     : 04

INGREDIENTS:

                                                                    

2 cups makhana fox nuts

1/2 cup peas(optional)

1 cup tomato puree

1 tbsp red chili powder

1 tbsp coriander powder

1/2 tbsp garam masala

1/4 tbsp cumin seeds/jeera

oil 2 tbsp or butter or ghee

2 tbsp fresh cream

salt (as needed)

1/2 cup water

coriander leaves( for garnishing)

FOR PASTE :

2 onions

5-6 garlic cloves

1 inch ginger

5-6 cashews

1 tbsp poppy seeds(khus khus)

1 tbsp oil

water (as needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

FOR PASTE:

1. Heat a pan with oil .Add sliced onions and saute it.

2.Add chopped ginger,garlic  and saute it till color changes

3.Take the pan off the stove and add poppy seeds and cashews and mix it.

4. Allow it to cool,then mix it n mixer add little water for making the puree.

MAKING CURRY:

1.Heat a pan ,as it gets warm add 1 tbsp ghee and roast the makhana.Transfer to plate and keep aside.

2. Add oil/butter or ghee in a pan ,add cumin seeds and allow it to sizzle.

3.Add the paste and cook it for 2 mins

4. Add the tomato puree,red chili powder,coriander powder,turmeric powder , mix well and cook for 5 mins.

5. Add fresh peas,salt and 1/2 cup water,mix well and cook it for 4-5 mins.

6.Add fresh cream and simmer it for 2 mins.

7.Add roasted makhana ,simmer for 1 minute and turn off the stove

8.Gravy will get thicken as makhana soaks the water.

9.Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot  phool makhana curry.

NOTES :

1.The roasted makhana makes them crispy and crunchy ,do not add them without roasting.

2. Variation can be made by substituting peas with kaju which makes kaju makhana curry.

3.Using garam masala gives you nice aroma