{"title":"Navratri Snacks \u0026 Makhana","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe hours between a morning cup of tea and the evening farali meal are the hardest part of a Navratri fast, and this shelf of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/navratri\"\u003eNavratri groceries\u003c\/a\u003e is where people turn. Makhana, also called phool makhana, lotus seeds or fox nuts, are the puffed seeds of a water lily, light and crisp with a mild, milky taste. Plain makhana is the most adaptable kind: roast it in ghee, simmer it into kheer or fold it into a vrat curry. There is more on our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/makhana\"\u003emakhana\u003c\/a\u003e shelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeasoned makhana comes ready to eat, and here the label decides. Some seasonings are made with ordinary salt, onion or garlic, which a strict vrat leaves out, so read the ingredients and keep those packs for the days after the festival. Sweet glazed makhana goes well with an afternoon chai. Roasted monkey nuts, peanuts roasted in their shells, are cracked open at the table, and amla candy, pieces of Indian gooseberry dried with sugar, gives a sweet and tangy bite after a meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHome roasting takes ten minutes. Warm a teaspoon of ghee in a heavy pan, add plain makhana and turn it on a low heat until it crunches cleanly, then season with sendha namak from \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/navratri-fasting-foods\"\u003eNavratri vrat staples and flours\u003c\/a\u003e and crushed black pepper from \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/navratri-spices\"\u003eNavratri vrat spices\u003c\/a\u003e. Raw peanuts for roasting the same way are in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/navratri-dry-fruits-and-nuts\"\u003eNavratri dry fruits and nuts\u003c\/a\u003e. Makhana softens in damp air, so keep an opened pack sealed in a jar, and if it loses its crunch, a few minutes in a dry pan brings it back.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"heera-phool-makhana-100g","title":"Heera Phool Makhana 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003eHeera Phool Makhana are popped lotus seeds, also called fox nuts, from the Euryale ferox water plant. Each seed is roasted until the hard shell cracks and the inside puffs into a light, white ball with a few brown flecks. Makhana is one of the classic Navratri fasting foods because it is not a grain, and it is just as good as an everyday crunchy snack. The 100g bag holds a generous volume.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a vrat snack, warm a tablespoon of ghee in a wide pan, add 50g of makhana and roast on a low heat, stirring, for eight to ten minutes until they crunch when pressed. Season with rock salt, black pepper and a pinch of cumin powder. For makhana kheer, roast them the same way, crush half, and simmer everything in a litre of milk with sugar and cardamom until creamy. Outside the fast, they go into makhana matar curry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePopped lotus seeds (fox nuts)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9.7g protein per 100g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for vegetarians\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoast before eating for the best crunch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeason them with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/heera-white-rock-salt-400g\"\u003eHeera White Rock Salt 400g\u003c\/a\u003e, or browse all our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/makhana\"\u003emakhana\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heera","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242029760851,"sku":null,"price":4.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1101\/7433\/9411\/files\/heera-phool-makhana-100g-front.png?v=1791369116"},{"product_id":"heera-spicy-amla-candy-200g","title":"Heera Spicy Amla Candy 200g","description":"\u003cp\u003eHeera Spicy Amla Candy is Indian gooseberry, amla, cut into pieces and coated in a chatpata masala of black salt, dried mango, long pepper, cumin, cloves, ginger, mint and warm spices. Amla makes up 65% of the pack, so the sour, astringent fruit still comes through under the salty, peppery seasoning. It is the kind of mouth-freshener that sits in a bowl by the door in many Indian homes, and 200g lasts well.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eTake one or two pieces after a meal, especially after rich festive food, and let them dissolve slowly. Set a small bowl out with saunf and mishri when guests visit during Navratri and Diwali. The pieces can also be chopped finely and stirred into a fruit chaat or sprinkled over cut guava and apple for a tangy finish. Keep the bag closed between servings, because the masala coating draws in moisture and the pieces can turn sticky.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e65% amla (Indian gooseberry)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalty, sour and spiced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContains black salt and asafoetida\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for vegetarians\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrefer it sweet? Try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/heera-sweet-amla-candy-200g\"\u003eHeera Sweet Amla Candy 200g\u003c\/a\u003e, or browse all our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/amla-and-kokum\"\u003eamla and kokum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heera","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242037428563,"sku":null,"price":2.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1101\/7433\/9411\/files\/heera-spicy-amla-candy-200g-front.png?v=1791369138"},{"product_id":"heera-sweet-amla-candy-200g","title":"Heera Sweet Amla Candy 200g","description":"\u003cp\u003eHeera Sweet Amla Candy is Indian gooseberry, amla, cooked in sugar syrup, dried and finished with a light sugar coating. The candying softens amla's sharp, astringent bite into a chewy, sweet and gently sour sweet, with amla making up 55% of the pack. Just three ingredients are listed: amla, sugar and glucose. The 200g bag suits the dish of after-dinner treats that many households keep on the table through the festive season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eEat one or two pieces after a meal, on their own or alongside saunf and mishri. Set a bowl out for guests during Navratri and Diwali, or add a few pieces to a dry fruit gift box with dates and nuts. Chopped small, the candy brightens a fruit salad or a bowl of yoghurt, and it can be stirred into chutneys for a sweet and tangy note. Close the bag between servings so the sugar coating stays dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e55% amla (Indian gooseberry)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree ingredients: amla, sugar, glucose\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChewy, sweet and gently sour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for vegetarians\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eLike it tangy? Try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/heera-spicy-amla-candy-200g\"\u003eHeera Spicy Amla Candy 200g\u003c\/a\u003e, or browse all our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/amla-and-kokum\"\u003eamla and kokum\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heera","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242038935891,"sku":null,"price":2.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1101\/7433\/9411\/files\/heera-sweet-amla-candy-200g-front.png?v=1791369150"},{"product_id":"soghaat-phool-makhana-100g","title":"Soghaat Phool Makhana 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003eSoghaat Phool Makhana are plain popped lotus seeds, also called fox nuts, harvested from the ponds of India and roasted until they puff into light, crisp white pops. The only ingredient is lotus seeds, with nothing added, so they take on whatever seasoning you choose. This 100g bag is packed in India and imported by Nuovo Foods in West Bromwich.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eMakhana is one of the most popular vrat foods for Navratri. Warm a teaspoon of ghee in a pan, add the makhana and roast on a low heat for five to seven minutes until they snap when pressed, then toss with sendha namak and black pepper for a fasting snack. For makhana kheer, roast, lightly crush and simmer in full cream milk with sugar and cardamom until creamy. They also go into makhana curry, chivda with peanuts and dried fruit, and puja prasad.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingle ingredient: lotus seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15g protein per 100g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo added salt or oil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduct of India, 100g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrefer a ready-seasoned snack? Try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/soghaat-pudina-makhana-70g\"\u003eSoghaat Pudina Makhana 70g\u003c\/a\u003e, or browse all our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/makhana\"\u003emakhana\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soghaat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242292232531,"sku":null,"price":4.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1101\/7433\/9411\/files\/soghaat-phool-makhana-100g-front.png?v=1791370094"},{"product_id":"soghaat-pudina-makhana-70g","title":"Soghaat Pudina Makhana 70g","description":"\u003cp\u003eSoghaat Pudina Makhana are popped lotus seeds roasted and coated in a tangy mint seasoning of dry mint, coriander, chilli, lemon, turmeric and black pepper. The result is a light, crunchy snack with a cool, zesty finish, a lighter alternative to fried namkeen on the snack table. The 70g screw-top tub is packed in India and imported by Nuovo Foods in West Bromwich.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe straight from the tub with masala chai, or tip into small bowls alongside dry fruit and mithai when guests drop in over Dussehra and Diwali. The mint flavour also works scattered over a bowl of chaat, mixed into a quick bhel with puffed rice and chopped onion, or packed into lunch boxes. Note that this seasoning contains white salt and monosodium glutamate, so it is not suited to a strict vrat; for fasting days choose plain makhana. Close the lid tightly to keep the pops crisp.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMint, coriander and chilli seasoning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11.2g protein per 100g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLabelled vegan and gluten free\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduct of India, 70g tub\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a spicier mix, try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/soghaat-punjabi-tadka-makhana-70g\"\u003eSoghaat Punjabi Tadka Makhana 70g\u003c\/a\u003e, or browse all our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/makhana\"\u003emakhana\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soghaat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242293281107,"sku":null,"price":3.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1101\/7433\/9411\/files\/soghaat-pudina-makhana-70g-front.png?v=1791370106"},{"product_id":"soghaat-punjabi-tadka-makhana-70g","title":"Soghaat Punjabi Tadka Makhana 70g","description":"\u003cp\u003eSoghaat Punjabi Tadka Makhana are popped lotus seeds roasted with a bold dhaba-style masala of chilli, amchur, red onion, tomato, garlic, cumin, ginger and black salt. Chilli makes up 12% of the recipe, so these are noticeably spicy, with a tangy, savoury kick that suits anyone who likes their namkeen hot. The 70g screw-top tub is packed in India and imported by Nuovo Foods in West Bromwich.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe as a crunchy snack with chai or a cold lassi, or set out in bowls with dry fruit and sweets for Diwali and Dussehra visitors. They make a quick topping for chaat and raita, and are good packed into lunch boxes in place of crisps. The seasoning contains onion, garlic and monosodium glutamate, so this flavour is not suitable for Navratri vrat or sattvic menus; for fasting, choose plain makhana roasted in ghee with sendha namak. Keep the lid tightly closed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChilli, amchur, onion and garlic masala\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11.2g protein per 100g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLabelled vegan and gluten free\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduct of India, 70g tub\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a milder mint flavour, try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/soghaat-pudina-makhana-70g\"\u003eSoghaat Pudina Makhana 70g\u003c\/a\u003e, or browse all our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/makhana\"\u003emakhana\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soghaat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242293936467,"sku":null,"price":3.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1101\/7433\/9411\/files\/soghaat-punjabi-tadka-makhana-70g-front.png?v=1791370119"},{"product_id":"soghaat-sweet-makhana-300g","title":"Soghaat Sweet Makhana 300g","description":"\u003cp\u003eSoghaat Sweet Makhana are mithe makhane, the traditional white sugar puffs made from sugar and glucose and shaped into small, knobbly rounds. Despite the name they are a sugar confection, not lotus seeds: crisp on the outside, they melt quickly in the mouth with a clean, simple sweetness. This 300g jar is made in Pakistan and imported by Nuovo Foods in West Bromwich.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSweet makhana are a familiar part of puja prasad, offered at temples and handed round after aarti, and they are often placed on thalis for Navratri kanya pujan, Diwali Lakshmi puja and weddings. Mix them with saunf, dhana dal and mishri as an after-meal mukhwas, scatter them over festive sweet trays, or give small bags as return gifts. Children also enjoy them as an occasional treat. Close the jar tightly after use and finish within 30 days of opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSugar and glucose only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for prasad and mukhwas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLabelled halal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduct of Pakistan, 300g jar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor another prasad staple, try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/soghaat-dhage-wali-mishri-200g\"\u003eSoghaat Dhage Wali Mishri 200g\u003c\/a\u003e, or browse all our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/makhana\"\u003emakhana\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soghaat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242294788435,"sku":null,"price":2.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1101\/7433\/9411\/files\/soghaat-sweet-makhana-300g-front.png?v=1791370132"},{"product_id":"top-op-monkey-nuts-roasted-300g","title":"Top-Op Monkey Nuts Roasted 300g","description":"\u003cp\u003eTop-Op Monkey Nuts Roasted are whole peanuts roasted in their shells, the classic crack-and-eat snack. Roasting in the shell keeps the nuts inside dry and crunchy with a toasty, nutty flavour, and the papery skins rub off easily. The single ingredient is monkey nuts, with no added salt. This 300g bag is a produce of China, packed for Top Op Foods of Stanmore.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eTip into a bowl and crack open as a teatime or film-night snack, or take a bag along for bonfire night and Diwali gatherings. Shelled, the nuts can be lightly crushed into sabudana khichdi or vada for Navratri vrat, or pounded with green chilli and sendha namak for a quick peanut chutney. They also go into chikki with jaggery, poha and chaat. Keep the bag sealed in a cool, dry place so the nuts stay crisp. Contains peanuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhole roasted peanuts in shell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e26g protein per 100g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo added salt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduce of China, 300g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a larger bag, see \u003ca href=\"\/products\/top-op-monkey-nuts-roasted-550g\"\u003eTop-Op Monkey Nuts Roasted 550g\u003c\/a\u003e, or browse all our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/peanuts\"\u003epeanuts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Top-Op","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242302488915,"sku":null,"price":1.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1101\/7433\/9411\/files\/top-op-monkey-nuts-roasted-300g-front.png?v=1791370210"},{"product_id":"top-op-monkey-nuts-roasted-550g","title":"Top-Op Monkey Nuts Roasted 550g","description":"\u003cp\u003eTop-Op Monkey Nuts Roasted are whole peanuts roasted in their shells for that familiar crack-open snack with a toasty, nutty crunch. The shells keep the nuts inside dry and fresh, and the only ingredient is monkey nuts, with no added salt or oil. This family-size 550g bag is a produce of China, packed for Top Op Foods of Stanmore, and suits sharing over the festive season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePour into a large bowl for guests during Dussehra and Diwali, bonfire night or a family film evening, with a second bowl for the shells. Shelled nuts are handy in the kitchen too: crush them into Navratri sabudana khichdi and vada, grind with chilli and lemon for peanut chutney, cook with jaggery into chikki, or scatter over poha and kachumber salad. Once the bag is open, fold the top over and keep it sealed in a cool, dry cupboard. Contains peanuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhole roasted peanuts in shell\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e26g protein per 100g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo added salt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduce of China, 550g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a smaller bag, see \u003ca href=\"\/products\/top-op-monkey-nuts-roasted-300g\"\u003eTop-Op Monkey Nuts Roasted 300g\u003c\/a\u003e, or browse all our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/peanuts\"\u003epeanuts\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Top-Op","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55242303340883,"sku":null,"price":3.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1101\/7433\/9411\/files\/top-op-monkey-nuts-roasted-550g-front.png?v=1791370219"},{"product_id":"fudco-phool-makhney-150g","title":"Fudco Phool Makhney 150g","description":"\u003cp\u003eFudco Phool Makhney are puffed lotus seeds, also sold as makhana or fox nuts, grown in India and roasted, not fried. The light, crisp white puffs are a long-standing fasting food, eaten across India on vrat days and through Navratri because they are made from a seed, not a cereal. This 150g bag holds roughly seven portions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe pack recipe is a simple spicy roast. Warm two to three teaspoons of oil or ghee in a large pan, add three cups of makhney and roast on a low flame for ten to twelve minutes, stirring, until crisp and crunchy. Add a quarter teaspoon of turmeric, half a teaspoon of red chilli powder and rock salt, switch off the heat and finish with chaat masala. For a festive pudding, simmer roasted makhney in milk with sugar and cardamom until soft for makhana kheer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSingle ingredient: puffed lotus seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoasted, not fried\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15.2g fibre per 100g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVegetarian Society Vegan Approved\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompare it with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/heera-phool-makhana-100g\"\u003eHeera Phool Makhana 100g\u003c\/a\u003e, or browse all our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/makhana\"\u003emakhana\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fudco","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55245180010835,"sku":null,"price":6.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1101\/7433\/9411\/files\/fudco-phool-makhney-150g-front.png?v=1791382057"}],"url":"https:\/\/chandrastores.co.uk\/collections\/navratri-snacks.oembed","provider":"Chandra Stores","version":"1.0","type":"link"}