Hi Supermoms,
Don’t our family members love sweets and fried snacks. Don’t we all love to see the happy smile on their faces when they enjoy the desserts and snacks that we make for them. But then, we are also constantly in double mind because of health issues that can potentially arise from excess intake of sugar and fat. We are always on the lookout for ingredients that are nutritionally rich, high in antioxidants and healthy supplements that can be seamlessly included in our diet. Well one such ingredient is the fox nut that is popularly known as the ‘Phool Makhana’. Have you tried it yet? Did you know that, the Makhana is made from popping Lotus seeds. They are tasty to eat, light to digest and filled with anti-ageing properties. Do make it a point to eat them regularly.
One popular way to enjoy the Makhana is to lightly roast them, flavour them with mild spices and enjoy the crunchy snack. Great alternative to wafers and pop corns. Do check out my South Indian Style Makhana Masala Recipe and make a batch today before sitting to watch your favourite TV show or movie.
Makhana can be enjoyed in a sweet form too. Yes, you read it right. Not only can you make yummy desserts with Makhana, you can also make it completely ‘sugar free’.
Today I am going to share with you the Makhana Kheer or the Fox Nut Payasam Recipe that will blow your taste buds and soon become your family favourite. Not only it is “sugar free” but it is also made using juicy “Dates (Khajur)” and “Coconut Milk”. This means the recipe is also vegan friendly.
A note to my strict vegan friends: For enhancing taste and flavour, I have used ghee in my video to roast the the cashews and raisins. You can use coconut oil for equally tasty result.
Tip to handle “Dates”: I have soaked the dates and blended them to a smooth puree’. If you do not like the taste or texture of the soaked and pureed' dates, you can boil the mixture for 3-4 minutes over low flame (stirring continuously), cool the mixture and then add it to the coconut milk mixture.
The kheer tastes delicious when served chilled. They stay good for couple of days when refrigerated.
Go ahead and make this tasty and healthy dessert right away and delight your family members.
You can check out the detailed steps in my Makhana Kheer recipe video below:
Makhana Kheer using Dates by Masterchefmom
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serves: 3-4
Ingredients:
1 heaped cup Makhana/foxnuts
12-14 dates
1 coconut ( to extract coconut milk) or 200 gm coconut milk tetrapack( adjust quantity according to the no. of people you are serving)
1/4 tsp cardamom powder
10-12 saffron strands/kesar
1 tsp sugar (optional)
10 cashew nuts ( halved)
10 raisins
1 teaspoon pistachios( finely chopped for garnish)
1-2 tsp coconut oil
Method:
- Soak dates in 1/4 cup warm water for 10-15 minutes and grind it to a smooth paste.
- Heat a heavy bottom pan or kadai with coconut oil ( or ghee) and roast cashew nuts, raisins and makhana till they turn light brown.
- Add the freshly extracted coconut milk( second milk) or use store bought coconut milk, add cardamom powder.
- Let it the makhana cook in the coconut milk for 7-8 minutes and switch off.
Note : If using fresh coconut milk, add the first milk and allow it to simmer just for one minute and switch off.
5. Remove the pan from the stove and then add the pureed’ dates.
Your delicious and super healthy Makhana Kheer using dates is now ready to be served. You can also refrigerate them for a few hours and serve chilled. YUM!
Happy Cooking!
With love,
Masterchefmom
