Phool Makhana or Lotus seed is more commonly available in North India where it is used during vrats. As it not regarded as a cereal its atta is also used for making rotis and it finds use even in curries. It can even be consumed as a snack in the roasted form.
It is free from fat and cholesterol, rich in iron and phosphorus and is also a good source of antioxidants. Its nutritional profile makes it ideal for weight-watchers or people suffering from high blood pressure/cholesterol. It also helps digestion, reduces frequent urination, strengthens body and improves energy levels.
I used 'Phool Makhana' to make this delicious and nutritious kheer during the Navratri days. Read on for the recipe:
Preparation Time - 15-20 mins
Ingredients - 1 cup phool makhana, 2 cups whole milk (boiled), 3 tsp sugar, 6-7 tbs milk powder/3-4 tbs condensed milk, 1 tbs ghee, handful of almonds, 3-4 glazed cherries, 2 pinch ground nutmeg, 1 pinch cardamon powder.
Preparation - Chop the almonds and cherries.
Cooking - Heat a pan. Add ghee and then the phool makhana. Roast for 3 minutes on a low to medium flame till crisp. Remove and keep aside to cool down.
Crush all the makhana lightly ( do not powder) except for 5-6 nos.
Add the almonds to the pan and roast for 2 minutes.
Bring the milk to a boil. Dissolve the sugar in it.
Add the crushed phool makhana and almonds. Boil for 10-12 minutes on a low flame.
Add the whole/intact phool makhanas and the milk powder along with the nutmeg and cardamon. Remove from flame after 1 minute.
Allow to cool down. (one can also refrigerate it)
Garnish with the cherries and serve.
It is free from fat and cholesterol, rich in iron and phosphorus and is also a good source of antioxidants. Its nutritional profile makes it ideal for weight-watchers or people suffering from high blood pressure/cholesterol. It also helps digestion, reduces frequent urination, strengthens body and improves energy levels.
I used 'Phool Makhana' to make this delicious and nutritious kheer during the Navratri days. Read on for the recipe:
Preparation Time - 15-20 mins
Ingredients - 1 cup phool makhana, 2 cups whole milk (boiled), 3 tsp sugar, 6-7 tbs milk powder/3-4 tbs condensed milk, 1 tbs ghee, handful of almonds, 3-4 glazed cherries, 2 pinch ground nutmeg, 1 pinch cardamon powder.
Preparation - Chop the almonds and cherries.
Cooking - Heat a pan. Add ghee and then the phool makhana. Roast for 3 minutes on a low to medium flame till crisp. Remove and keep aside to cool down.
Crush all the makhana lightly ( do not powder) except for 5-6 nos.
Add the almonds to the pan and roast for 2 minutes.
Bring the milk to a boil. Dissolve the sugar in it.
Add the crushed phool makhana and almonds. Boil for 10-12 minutes on a low flame.
Add the whole/intact phool makhanas and the milk powder along with the nutmeg and cardamon. Remove from flame after 1 minute.
Allow to cool down. (one can also refrigerate it)
Garnish with the cherries and serve.
