Makhana Sesame Trail Mix

Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is India’s biggest holiday of the year. This five day celebration is a fantastic time to make your favorite Indian dish, or experiment with flavors that may be new to your kitchen. 

This recipe is for a unique trail mix (or mixture, as they call it in India) highlighting the Makhana seed. The Makhana seed (aka lotus seed or fox nut) comes from the ferfox plant and seeds are extracted from the lotus flower. When roasted, the results are similar to a big popcorn kernel that is high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This recipe accentuates the makhana with the traditional flavors of curry (give the chaat masala a try!) and boosts the protein and fat of the snack with an addition of roasted nuts and seeds. 

Makhana is quick and simple to make and can be stored in an airtight container for two weeks. The mixture is crunchy, savory, and satisfying, making for a great healthy snack between meals, out on an adventure, and loved by kids. Our editors fell in love with Makhana while developing this recipe and will be keeping it stocked in our kitchen every Diwali and beyond. 

INGREDIENTS: 

1 teaspoon canola oil, or ghee

1 cup roasted makhana (lotus seed)  

1 teaspoon chat masala or curry powder 

2 tablespoons almonds, raw unsalted

2  tablespoons cashews, raw unsalted

2  tablespoons peanuts, raw unsalted

¼  teaspoon sea salt

2 tablespoons golden raisins, raw unsalted

1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Melt oil over medium heat in a medium nonstick skillet. Once hot, add the makhana seeds, tossing regularly and adding the curry powder once the seeds are hot. Keep a close eye as you roast, shaking the pan frequently. 

Roast time is approximately 6 to 9 minutes or until makhana seeds are crispy, and no longer chewy. Remove from the heat and set aside. Next add the remaining nuts and sea salt to the same pan and roast until fragrant, approximately 5 minutes. 

Remove the nuts from the pan and toss with the roasted makhana, raisins, and sesame seeds in a medium bowl. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks—if you can keep them around that long. 

Makes 4 servings.

NUTRITION FACTS PER SERVING:

Calories: 130 

Protein 4 g

Total fat 8 g

Saturated fat 1 g (5% DV)

Cholesterol 0 mg

Carbs 12 g

Fiber 2  g

Total sugars 4  g

Added sugars 0 g

Sodium 150 mg (7% DV)