Chana Makhana Mix
A crunchy, savory, and light snack made with roasted fox nuts, chickpeas, and peanuts. Perfectly spiced and great for tiffins or guilt-free munching, with about 100 calories per serving.
For 10 servings
Roast the makhana until crisp.
Heat 1 tsp of ghee in a large pan or kadai over low heat. Add the makhana and roast for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are light and crunchy.
TIPTo check if they are done, break one open. It should snap easily without being chewy in the center.Roast the peanuts.
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tsp of ghee. Add the raw peanuts and roast on low heat for 5-6 minutes until they turn golden brown and aromatic. Remove from pan and set aside with the makhana.
TIPKeep the heat low to ensure peanuts cook through without burning.Combine and season the mix.
- Return the roasted makhana and peanuts to the warm pan (off the heat).
- Add the store-bought roasted chana to the pan.
- Immediately sprinkle over the turmeric powder, chaat masala, black salt, and regular salt.
- Toss everything together until the spices evenly coat all the ingredients.
TIPMixing while the ingredients are still warm helps the spices adhere better.Cool the mix completely.
Spread the seasoned mixture on a large plate or baking sheet in a single layer. Allow it to cool down completely to room temperature.
TIPDo not skip this step. Storing while warm will create condensation and make the snack soggy.Store for later use.
Once completely cool, transfer the Chana Makhana Mix to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy a small bowl as a healthy snack.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always roast makhana on a low flame to ensure they become crisp from the inside out.
- 2Cool the mixture completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness.
- 3You can add a handful of curry leaves while roasting the peanuts for extra flavor.
- 4Feel free to add other nuts like almonds or cashews, but remember this will change the calorie count.
- 5If your roasted chana is already salted, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a very healthy snack. It's rich in protein and fiber from chickpeas, low in calories from makhana, and contains healthy fats from peanuts. Since it's roasted and not fried, it's a great alternative to processed snacks.
