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Makhana is a superfood, and it has long been established because of its ample health benefits. From refuelling the body with energy to helping people lose weight, fox nuts have been seeping into the diets of fitness enthusiasts, one snack at a time. In the Budget 2025-26 announcement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman allocated Rs 100 crores for the creation of ‘Makhana Board’ in Bihar.
While the world is recognising the healthy properties of fox nuts now, Indians have been enjoying its recipes for many centuries. From using it in panchamrit and panjiri to consuming it as a snack or shining as a star in a gravy, it is a must-have in every Indian pantry. If you are done with making makhana snacks, you can explore healthy gravy recipes.
Makhana Paneer Masala
Packed with protein, goodness of Indian spices, and superfood nuts, this gravy is a rich recipe that you can serve guests and leave them licking their fingers. While you roast the fox nuts for crispiness, prepare a tangy and sweet onion-tomato curry. Make sure to roast the vegetables along with spices like coriander powder, red chilli powder, turmeric, and garam masala. After adding paneer and makhana, add crushed kasuri methi on top for a restaurant-style taste.
Makhana Kofta Gravy
If you are looking for a rich curry recipe, your search ends at makhana kofta curry. Using fox nuts, paneer, and boiled potatoes, you can prepare soft, creamy, and crunchy kofta. The deep-fried balls are cooked in a cashew-tomato gravy which adds to the velvety texture. Whole spices like cinnamon and cloves infuse the dish with earthy notes.
Makhana Masala
When you have no other ingredient at home, makhana masala is the perfect recipe to indulge in. You can either prepare cashew-tomato or onion-tomato gravy for this one. This preparation is not only delicious but also versatile as it pairs exceptionally well with jeera rice, naan, and roti. The only trick to cook this delight is to keep the consistency of the gravy smooth and semi-thick. You should also add fox nuts in the end to maintain their crunch, otherwise, they will be soggy and disintegrate with a touch.
Makhana Cashew Gravy
Makhana kaju gravy is a Mughlai preparation known for its creamy and smooth texture. The saffron-infused recipe has an irresistible aroma, and its red-orange hue can make any foodie drool. The gravy boasts the floral and fruity notes of nutmeg and cardamoms. You can add robustness with ginger and garlic, but you can skip a few ingredients if you are preparing it for special occasions.
Malai Makhana Curry
This is probably one of the never-heard recipes with fox nuts as the star ingredient. The base is prepared using curd, poppy seeds, and a little bit of fresh cream (use malai for richness). The aroma and robustness of poppy seeds set this dish apart from others. The use of cardamoms, fennel powder, and white pepper adds subtle sweetness and spice.
