Table of Contents
Introduction
Lotus seeds, also known as Makhana, or foxnut can be used to create a delicious and creamy sauce for both spicy and sweet curries. Here’s a recipe for both variations:
Spicy Sauce:
Ingredients:
•1 cup lotus seeds (Makhana)
•1 onion, finely chopped
•2 tomatoes, chopped
•3-4 garlic cloves, minced
•1-inch piece of ginger, grated
•1 green chili, chopped (adjust to taste)
•1 teaspoon cumin seeds
•1 teaspoon coriander powder
•1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
•1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
•Salt to taste
•1 tablespoon oil
•1/2 cup water
•Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1.Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2.Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3.Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chili. Sauté for a minute.
4.Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
5.Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
6.Add lotus seeds (Makhana) and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
7.Add water, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
8.Once the lotus seeds are soft and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat.
9.Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
10.Return the sauce to the pan and heat it for a few minutes.
11.Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.
Sweet Sauce:
Ingredients:
•1 cup lotus seeds (Makhana)
•1 cup coconut milk
•4-5 tablespoons jaggery or sugar (adjust to taste)
•1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
•1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
•1 tablespoon chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
•Saffron strands for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1.Heat ghee in a pan and roast lotus seeds (Makhana) until they become crisp. Set aside.
2.In the same pan, add coconut milk and bring it to a gentle simmer.
3.Add jaggery or sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.
4.Add roasted lotus seeds (Makhana) and cardamom powder. Mix well.
5.Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6.In a separate small pan, roast the chopped nuts until they turn golden brown.
7.Garnish the sweet sauce with roasted nuts and saffron strands.
8.Serve warm as a dessert or drizzle over pancakes, ice cream, or fruit salad.
Health Benefits Of Lotus Seeds:
• Makhana: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, lotus seeds promote satiety, aid in weight loss, and support digestive health. Additionally, they contain antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
• Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, tomatoes support eye health, boost immunity, and promote healthy skin. Their high lycopene content also offers protection against certain types of cancer and supports heart health by reducing cholesterol levels.
• Garlic and Ginger: Known for their antibacterial and antiviral properties, garlic and ginger strengthen the immune system and may help fight infections. They also have anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis.
• Turmeric: A potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, turmeric supports joint health, boosts immunity, and promotes overall well-being. Curcumin, its active compound, is known to improve brain function and may lower the risk of brain diseases.
• Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and may lower the risk of chronic diseases. It also contains compounds that have been linked to cancer prevention and improved cognitive function.
Conclusion
These spicy and sweet lotus seeds (Makhana) sauces are versatile and can elevate the flavor of any dish. Enjoy experimenting with different spices and ingredients to create your perfect sauce!
Enjoy the delicious and nutritious lotus seeds (Makhana) sauce with added heath benefits!
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8269573
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S175646462200007X
