Gur Makhana | Caramel Lotus Seed | Caramel Makhana

This gur makhana is a delicious Indian snack. Made with just 3 ingredients, it is our desi version of caramel popcorn.

Makhana or foxnuts have been used regularly in Indian cooking since a long time.

Masala makhana is a simple snack made by roasting makhana is a perfect healthy 4 pm snack.

Also delicious is makhana kheer and makhana curry.

But today, I am sharing a delectable snack that you can make with makhana or lotus seed, it is gur makhana made with jaggery.

This gur makhana is gluten-free, vegan (if you substitute ghee with coconut oi) and low calorie, perfect for evening snack.

What is Phool Makhana or Lotus Seed?

Phool Makhana is indigenous to South Asia. These are puffed seeds of the lotus plant.

They are nutritionally rich and used regularly in South Asian cooking. It is used regularly in fasting foods.

Health Benefits of Makhana or Foxnut

1. High Protein: Makhana are a rich source of protein and are very low in Calories. Thus, they are perfect both as a snack and in curries.

2. High in antioxidants: Makhanas are good for your skin as it has anti-ageing properties.

3. High in Fibre: Makhana keeps you full for longer and is wonderful if you are on a weight watching diet.

4. Gluten free: Makhana is perfect for those with gluten allergies.

5. High in vitamins and minerals: Phool makhana is high in potassium and magnesium and low in sodium.

This is perfect for anyone suffering from hypertension.

Here is the recipe of caramel lotus seed.

Just like caramel popcorn this is a huge hit with adults and kids alike. Do try this easy recipe.

Ingredients:

2 cups lotus seeds or makhana

2 tbsp. ghee or clarified butter (for pan frying)

½ cup jaggery or gur

1 tbsp. sesame seeds

2 tbsp. water

Recipe:

For Air frying

Preheat Air fryer at 200 C or 390 F for 5 minutes.

Lightly brush the Air fryer basket with a little ghee or coconut oil (for vegans).

Add your foxnuts or lotus seeds taking care to only fill the basket to less than half the volume.

Over filling will cause the makhana to fly and get stuck in the Air fryer coil and get burnt so be watchful.

Air fry for 3-4 minutes at 390 F or 200C.

Keep checking at 2 minutes. It is done very quickly and burn as quickly too.

Once it is creamish or brownish, remove.

Now follow the recipe for making jaggery caramel.

For pan frying

1. Roast makhana in a pan in a little ghee. Use 1 tbsp. ghee for 1 cup.

Don’t overcrowd and roast in batches till all the makhana becomes crispy.

You can break one to check. Keep the makhana aside.

To make Jaggery or gur caramel

Heat ½ cup jaggery with 2 tbsp. water.

Cook on low heat with constant stirring. Wait for it to start bubbling. Now add sesame seeds to it and mix.

3. Add roasted makhana to the bubbling gur caramel after turning off the gas.

4. Mix well till each foxnut is coated. Keep aside to cool.

Your gur makhana or caramel makhana is ready to eat. Dive in. It is deliciously crispy and sweet.

You can store it in an airtight container though in my home it gets consumed immediately.

Enjoy it as a filling and healthy snack. Kids love it.

Pro Tip:

1. You can add 1 pinch of salt and ¼ tsp. pepper powder to make it slightly spicy. If adding, add to the jaggery water mix.

2. This recipe uses powdered jaggery. If using jaggery block, break into smaller pieces and then use. It may take longer for it to melt.

3. You could use sugar instead of jaggery for making the caramel.

4. The gur caramel made this way is not too hard like toffee but coats each foxnut beautifully helping it to retain its crispness.

If you want a harder coating, cook the jaggery a minute longer but make sure it does not burn.

5. The makhanas must be roasted on low flame till they are roasted on all sides.

6. Do store in an airtight container and they will easily last a week or two. If you leave them exposed to air then they will lose their crispness.

If you like this recipe of caramel foxnut then I request you to give it a star * rating either on the recipe card or in the comments. Thank you.

I assure you that once you make this, you will add it to your repertoire of healthy snacks.

📖 Recipe Card

Do check out my other healthy snacks recipes here.

You can also try

Makhane ke Kheer Recipe

Khoya Matar Makhana Curry

Crisy Makhana Snack

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