5 Makhana Benefits & Recipe For Winter Season

Do you also love eating makhana?

 

Do you know these white ball are how much healthy?

 

Winter has approached, and this is the season when our body needs nutritious, warm, and comforting foods to keep us energetic throughout the day. The gorgon nut is one such superfood that perfectly matches the winter vibe. Makhana is also known as phool makhana or fox nuts. Makhanas are light, crunchy, and full of goodness, which makes them an important part of traditional Indian kitchens for generations.

What is Makhana?

Do you know the Gorgon nuts we eat are found in seeds of the lotus plant?

These lotus plants are grown in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. People refer to makhanas differently:

•     Gorgon nut
•       Phool makhana
•       Fox nuts
•       Lotus seeds

Nutritional Amount of Makhana:

•       Calories: 345
•       Fat: Very Low (0.4–0.5g)
•       Protein: 9–10g
•       Fiber: 7g
•       Antioxidants: Flavonoids, kaempferol
•       Potassium, calcium, phosphorus & magnesium: High amounts
•       Carbohydrates: 65–70g

Different Methods to Gorgon nut

• Roasted makhana with salt and spices
• Makhana ladoos for winter
• Makhana chaat with vegetables and chutneys
• Makhana with dry fruits
• Makhana kheer

5 Fantastic Makhana Benefits for the Winter Season

1. Boosts Immunity

Gorgon nut include the essential antioxidants such as flavonoids, which help the body fight against infections. Winter brings seasonal illnesses, including coughs, colds, and viral fevers, and gorgon nut is best to support your natural immunity.

 2. Keeps You Energized

The Gorgon nut has a balanced nutritional profile that helps in the slow release of energy. If you roast Gorgon nut in a little ghee, it becomes a warm and comforting snack which helps maintain body temperature during cold days.

3. Helps in Weight Management

Gorgon nut include low calories and high fiber content, which keeps your stomach full for a long time. This also helps reduce overeating, which is especially helpful during cold winter days when we crave more for deep-fried foods.

 4. Great for Digestion

Our digestion system slows down during the winter season. The fibre content of gorgon nut helps prevent constipation, promotes the digestive system, and keeps the gut comfortable even during heavy festive days.

5. Good for Heart Health

Gorgon nut has low sodium and high magnesium content, which supports the health of the heart. Magnesium helps improve blood circulation and regulates the blood pressure.

An Easy Makhana Recipe for Winter

Roasted Gorgon nut recipes are best to eat during chilly winter evenings to keep our body warm and energetic.

Ingredients

•       2 cups of Gorgon nuts
•       1 tablespoon ghee
•       Rock salt or pink salt as per taste
•       ½ teaspoon turmeric
•       ½ teaspoon black pepper
•       ½ teaspoon roasted jeera powder
•       A pinch of cinnamon powder
•       1 teaspoon chaat masala

Method

•       Take a wide pan and heat ghee on low flame.
•       Add Gorgon nuts in the pan and roast them for approx. 8–10 minutes.
•       Now add salt, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper.
•       Stir well so the spices consistently coat the Gorgon nuts.
•       Now remove the pan from stove and sprinkle some chaat masala.
•       Let gorgon nuts cool and store them in an airtight container.

Winter Special: 10 Vegetable Soup Recipes For Winters

Why Learn Cooking With NFCI?

Gorgon nuts are widely used in cafes, restaurants, and diet-focused menus. For students learning hospitality or cooking at NFCI, they can enhance creativity by experimenting with gorgon nut. Its flexibility makes it best for:

•       Healthy snacks
•       Festival desserts
•       Fusion recipes
•       Fine-dining plates

If you are planning to join professional culinary training programs, then you can explore NFCI:

• Cooking Classes in Mohali
• Cooking Classes in Chandigarh Sector 22
• Cooking Institutes in Haryana
• Cooking Courses in Patiala
• Cooking Classes in Karnataka

Conclusion

The Gorgon nut is known as a winter superfood because of its taste, health, and versatility. The makhana benefits are never-ending, which makes it a brilliant addition to your daily diet. If you are passionate about cooking and want to build a strong culinary career, then NFCI offers professional cooking courses across India. NFCI is helping students master recipes, techniques, and professional skills.