Makhana Ki Sabzi Recipe – A Delightful North Indian Dish
Makhana Ki Sabzi (Fox Nut Curry) is a delicious, nutritious, and light curry that’s perfect for a lunch or dinner. With its rich flavors, this North Indian recipe is made with roasted fox nuts (makhana), green peas, and aromatic spices that add depth to the dish. It pairs wonderfully with phulka (Indian flatbread) or even dal palak (spinach lentils) for a wholesome meal. The makhana’s unique texture absorbs the flavors of the gravy, making it a perfect treat for any special occasion or even a regular weeknight meal.
This recipe, rich in vegetarian goodness, combines the goodness of makhana, green peas, and an assortment of whole spices, which all work in harmony to create a sumptuous dish. Let’s take a look at how to prepare this flavorful dish step-by-step!
Ingredients for Makhana Ki Sabzi
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Makhana (fox nuts) | 2 cups |
| Green peas | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 tsp |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 2 large |
| Onion (for paste) | 1 small |
| Cashews (roughly chopped) | 6 pieces |
| Khus Khus (poppy seeds) | 1 tbsp |
| Pumpkin seeds | 1 tbsp |
| Green cardamom | 1 |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 inch |
| Cloves (laung) | 2 |
| Green chili (slit) | 1 |
| Red chili flakes | 1 tsp |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 1 tbsp |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Oil (as needed for cooking) | 2-3 tbsp |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Making Makhana Ki Sabzi
-
Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start, ensure all the ingredients are prepared and ready to use. Chop the onions, slit the green chili, and grate the ginger. Set them aside. -
Make the Onion and Cashew Paste
In a pressure cooker, add 2 chopped onions, cashews, khus khus, and pumpkin seeds along with 1 cup of water. Pressure cook for about 2 whistles. Allow it to cool, and then blend this mixture into a smooth paste using a mixer grinder. Keep the paste aside. -
Roast the Makhana
In a large pan or kadhai, heat the ghee. Add the makhana (fox nuts) and roast them on low to medium heat until they become crisp and slightly golden. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Once roasted, remove them from the kadhai and set aside. -
Prepare the Tempering
In the same kadhai, heat a little oil. Add the bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Let these spices sizzle for about 1 minute until they release their aroma. -
Cook the Vegetables
To the tempering, add the slit green chili and chopped onions. Sauté them on medium heat until the onions turn soft and golden brown. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes. -
Add the Green Peas
Once the onions are cooked, add the green peas to the kadhai. Cook them for another 1 minute, stirring occasionally. -
Combine the Paste and Spices
Add the prepared onion-cashew paste along with red chili flakes. Stir well and cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Simmer the Curry
Add about 2 cups of water, followed by the grated ginger. Stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes, so the flavors infuse well. -
Add the Roasted Makhana
Once the base gravy is cooked, add the roasted makhana to the curry. Gently mix the makhana into the curry and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes on low flame, allowing the fox nuts to soften and soak up the spices. If you prefer a softer texture, you can cook the makhana for an additional 5-7 minutes. -
Final Touches
Once the makhana becomes soft, check for seasoning and adjust salt or spices to taste. Once the curry is ready, turn off the heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Makhana Ki Sabzi hot with freshly made phulkas (Indian flatbreads), or pair it with a side of dal palak (spinach lentils) for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for a healthy, filling lunch or dinner.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Why You Should Try Makhana Ki Sabzi
Makhana Ki Sabzi is a wholesome and flavorful vegetarian dish, packed with nutrients. Makhana, also known as fox nuts, is known for its high protein and low-fat content. It’s great for those looking to add more protein to their diet while keeping the dish light and healthy. The addition of ghee and butter imparts a rich taste, while the spices make it aromatic and indulgent. This dish is perfect for any occasion—be it a family lunch, dinner, or a festive gathering.
Its simplicity and richness in flavor make it a must-try for anyone who enjoys North Indian cuisine, especially dishes that are both delicious and nourishing.
Tip: You can adjust the spice levels by adding more or less red chili flakes, depending on your preference for heat. Also, for a richer flavor, you can use cream instead of some of the butter or ghee.
