Shahi Makhana sabzi

Shahi Makhana Sabzi.JPG

Shahi Makhana sabzi

Hi friends! Popular as a fasting food, its health benefits are superior to those of dry fruits such as almonds and walnuts. Some of the health benefits of makhana are: It’s a good source of protein, carbohydrates, fibre, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. High in fiber and low in calories, it enables weight loss. Here is a delicious sabzi with the lotus seeds you will love to have on your  menu often.

Ingredients:

  • 100 gms. Lotus seeds
  • 150 gms Khoya
  • 2 medium size Tomatoes
  • 2 cups grated onions
  • 1 tbsp Ginger , finely grated
  • 1 tbsp Garlic, well mashed
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 4 tbsp clarified butter/ olive oil
  • 2 peppercorns, finely powdered
  • 1/4 tsp Cinnamon powder
  • 3 Clove, powdered
  • 1 tsp Fennel / saunf seeds, powdered
  • 1/4 tsp Chili powder / or as per taste
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Coriander powder
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • 1 tea cup curd/yogurt
  • 1 tsp Salt/ or as per taste

 

Method:

Step 1.

In a heavy bottom pan, put the ghee/ oil and when hot add the lotus seed stir fry until crisp over medium low flame. This takes 5-7minutes. Keep it aside.

Step 2.

Grate the khoya and dry roast in a heavy bottom pan on low flame (without any ghee) very lightly. Keep it aside.

Step 3.

Cut each tomato in two halves to blanch. In a pressure cooker take the cut tomatoes add 1/4 cup of water. On a high flame when full pressure is formed, switch off the stove. When pressure cooker cools down to room temperature, open the lid and take out the tomatoes in a small bowl, remove the skin from all four pieces with a fork and put them into a blender, and blend the mix. Keep the puree aside.

Step 4.

Heat the ghee in vessel and fry the onions till pink in colour, add the ginger, garlic, green chillies, turmeric, dhania powder and chilli powders and fry for 1minute on low flame.

Step 5.

Add the tomato puree, curds, khoya and salt mix well.

Step 6.

Add the fried makhanas and cook for a few minutes.Sprinkle the garam masala and cook again for 2 minutes. Serve hot with Indian breads of choice!..

 Note:

Makhana ( Phool Makhana/ Lotus seeds) Makhana ( Phool Makhana/ Lotus seeds) Makhana, Phool Makhana, Foxnut, lotus seeds, Gorgon nut,Euryale Ferox different names, multiple health benefits. This is a native Asian water plant and is mainly cultivated for its edible seeds.

Health Benefits of Makhanas:

1) They are low in cholesterol, fat and sodium. This makes them an ideal snack to satiate those in-between meal hunger pangs.

2) They are beneficial to those suffering from high blood pressure, heart diseases and obesity due to their high magnesium and low sodium content.

3) Makhanas are recommended for diabetics too due to their low glycemic index.

4) An anti-ageing enzyme in these seeds is said to help repair damaged proteins.

5) In addition, the presence of a natural flavonoid called kaempferol (also present in coffee), helps prevent inflammation and ageing.

6) Ayurvedic beliefs suggest that fox nuts astringent properties that benefit the kidneys.

7) Makhanas are gluten-free, protein rich and high in carbohydrates.

8) They are low in calories, making them an ideal snack for weight loss.

 

9) Ayurvedic and Unani medicine believe them to have aphrodisiac properties.

Nick’s kitchen medical Disclaimer:

  • Nick’s kitchen is for Vegetarians. It sometimes provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or move toward a more vegetarian diet.
  • Nick’s kitchen provides some information on vegetarian and vegan diets to the best of their knowledge and abilities.
  • Nick’s kitchen does not claim to be health care professional, nutritionist, nor does it claims to treat any illness through vegan or vegetarian diet.
  • If you have a medical condition,Nick’s kitchen recommend that you consult your health care professionals before changing your diet.
  • Any changes that you make to your diet, and the results of those changes, are your decision and your responsibility.

 

Lotus Seeds snack

Lotus seeds fried

Fried Lotus Seeds/Phool Makhana/Fox nuts

Lotus seeds or lotus nuts are the seeds of plants in the genus Nelumbo, particularly the species Nelumbo nucifera. Wikipedia

Hi friends! Puffed seeds /makhana/Fox nuts are used in kheer, curries, puddings and as a dry-roasted snack. These could be one of the options as healthy all time snacks!

Preparation time: 5 min

Cook Time: 5 min

Serves: 4

Recipe Category: Tea time healthy Snacks

Cuisine: North Indian

Ingredients:

  • Puffed Lotus seeds – 3 cups
  • 3 tbsp Pure ghee/ Olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt / or as per taste

Method:

Step 1.

In a heavy bottom pan, put the ghee/ oil and when hot add the lotus seed stir fry until crisp over low flame. This takes 5-7minutes.

Step 2.

Sprinkle pepper powder, and salt on the hot fried lotus seeds/ Phool makhanas and mix well until the lotus seeds are well coated with salt and pepper. Remove them and keep them aside.

Step 3.

Serve them hot at tea time.

Step 4.

Cool before storing the fried lotus seeds in an air tight container. Can be stored for a week.

Step 5.

If the seeds loose crunchiness, just dry roast them for few minutes again and they will regain crispiness.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses:

Lotus seeds are popular for their nutritional benefits and healing properties. They are commonly used in Chinese medications and also in various recipes.

  • Lotus seeds contain L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase, an enzyme with anti-ageing properties. It is known to help in repairing damaged proteins.
  • The seeds contain kaempferol, a flavonoid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to help in repairing aging gum tissue.
  • The astringent properties of lotus seeds make them beneficial for the kidneys. They help to regulate the energy levels of the body.
  • Some studies indicate that lotus seeds may be used to treat various sexual conditions.
  • Lotus seeds are used in Chinese medicine to relieve the problem of diarrhea. They are also used to improve the health of the spleen.
  • Traditionally, lotus seeds were used to treat people with sleeping disorders such as insomnia. They are also known to be effective in alleviating restlessness. This is due to the natural sedative and calming effects of the seeds.
  • The center of the lotus seed is known to be beneficial for the heart due to its cooling properties. The bitterness of the seeds comes from isoquinoline alkaloids which are believed to induce a calming effect and are also anti-spasmodic in nature. They cause dilation of the blood vessels and thus help in controlling blood pressure levels.
  • Some medicinal researchers believe that lotus seeds help to strengthen the digestive process and relieve diarrhea.
  • The seeds are sometimes combined with other herbs in order to treat urinary ailments such as prostatitis and reproductive diseases. However it is advisable to consult a doctor before using any natural remedies such as lotus seeds.

Other Uses

Lotus seeds also contain a powerful anti-aging enzyme which researchers are now trying to add to various anti-ageing products and cosmetics. The dried seed heads are sold for decorative purposes across the world. These seeds are commonly used in dried flower arranging.

Ref. http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/herbs/lotus-seed.html

Nick’s kitchen medical Disclaimer:

  • Nick’s kitchen is for Vegetarians. It sometimes provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or move toward a more vegetarian diet.
  • Nick’s kitchen provides some information on vegetarian and vegan diets to the best of their knowledge and abilities.
  • Nick’s kitchen does not claim to be health care professional, nutritionist, nor does it claims to treat any illness through vegan or vegetarian diet.
  • If you have a medical condition,Nick’s kitchen recommend that you consult your health care professionals before changing your diet.
  • Any changes that you make to your diet, and the results of those changes, are your decision and your responsibility.