Crispy makhana bites: a quick snack to serve guests
Made with makhana and boiled potatoes, the bites need few ingredients and can be ready quickly when guests drop in.
When guests arrive, almost every household faces the same question: what to serve. In most homes the usual choices are chivda, sev and bhajis, made again and again. This time, crispy makhana bites, which come together quickly, are worth trying. The snack tastes very good and needs very few ingredients.
Makhana is said to be rich in magnesium, potassium, fibre, iron and zinc. It also contains carbohydrates, fibre and protein. It is advised that makhana be included in the diet when joint pain, body ache or back pain sets in. It keeps the stomach full and delays hunger. It is also advised for keeping raised blood pressure under control.
The ingredients for this recipe are makhana, potatoes, amchur powder, lemon juice, coriander, green chilli, red chilli powder, garam masala, salt and rice flour. Cumin is also added to the mixture.
First, heat a pan and roast the makhana on a low flame until crisp. Switch off the gas once they are crisp. When the makhana have cooled, crush them very lightly by hand or in a mixer.
Next, peel the boiled potatoes and mash them well in a bowl. Add the crushed makhana, rice flour, green chilli and coriander to the mashed potatoes and mix everything well. Then add cumin, red chilli powder, garam masala, amchur powder, salt and lemon juice and mix thoroughly again.
Once the mixture firms up, shape it into small balls. Press them gently to give them the shape of bites. Heat oil in a pan and fry the bites on a low flame until golden and crisp.
After frying, drain the bites on tissue paper. Serve hot with curd or tomato sauce. This is how crispy makhana bites are made in a simple way.
