On day 1 of the Cannes Film Festival 2026 red carpet, Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt talked about her unique skin snack which includes jaggery, ghee, coconut, and peanut. Later, on day 2, when British Vogue asked her about the one Indian dish she misses when in Cannes, Alia smiled and said, “I am obsessed with Indian food, and wherever I go, I just take that with me in my soul. It would have to be everything from my dal chawal to my homemade achar, to my sabzi, to my makhana. Although I’ve carried my makhana, so I’m good.” Alia’s dedication to carrying her desi Indian snack all the way to Cannes speaks a lot about her strict diet routine. Makhana is a healthy snack, which nutritionists and dietitians often promote. Let us tell you how you can add it in your daily food routine.
What is Makhana?
Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, comes from the seeds of the Euryale Fox plant, which grows in water and is mainly found in India and China. These seeds are harvested, dried, and roasted to create a light, crunchy, and nutritious snack. It is widely used in Ayurveda, known for its anti-aging, digestion-boosting, and heart-friendly properties. Popular during fasting, makhana can be eaten roasted, added to curries, or used in desserts as well.
Nutritional value of makhana
Per 100 gms of makhana contains 347 calories, 9.7 g protein, 76.9 g carbs, 14.5 g fiber, 0.1 g fat, 60 mg calcium 1.4 mg iron, 67 mg magensium, 500 mg potassium, and 200 mg phosphorusAlso Read: Alia Bhatt shares her Skin Snack recipe at Cannes that includes Ghee and Jaggery: Here’s how to make it and 3 power snacks recommended by celebs
Benefits of eating makhana
Makhana also known as fox nut or lotus seed is a white-coloured dry snack that is low in calories and, according to nutritionists and health experts, makes up for a healthy snack that can keep you full for longer. It is loaded with nutrients and provides a wholesome dose of calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. The rich amount of protein and fibre helps prevent hunger cravings. Makhana is also said to have anti-ageing properties, as it is rich in amino acids, glutamine and arginine. If studies are to be believed makhana also helps stabilize cholesterol levels and decreases blood glucose levels. Scroll below to know 5 simple and easy recipes that you may add to your weight loss diet.
Makhana Kheer: Roast 1 cup makhana in a deep saucepan using 1 tsp ghee. Once done, empty the pan, add 2 cups of skimmed milk, bring it to a boil, add 2 tbsp powdered jaggery and mix well. Stir well and then add roasted makhana and stir. Keep the flame medium and let the mixture cook for 20 minutes. Once the milk attains a thicker consistency, switch off the flame and add chopped nuts. Serve hot.Makhana Curry: Roast 1 cup makhana in a non-stick pan using 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Add a few almonds to it and allow them to cool down. In the same pan, add 1 tsp oil, cumin seeds, 2 green chilli, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped tomato, 1 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp coriander powder. Cook till the mixture turns translucent. Now, blend the mixture along with the nuts to a fine puree. Cook it in the same pan for 5-7 minutes, add salt, and this curry can be used to make any side dish using paneer, tofu, or sautéed sweet potato, which you can enjoy with brown rice or millet roti as lunch or dinner.
Makhana Chaat: Roast 1 cup makhana along with 1 tbsp oil or ghee in a non-stick pan. Place it on a plate, add boiled and diced 1 sweet potato, ½ onion, ½ tomato, 2 tsp roasted peanut, salt, pepper, red chili powder, 2 tbsp curd, 1 tsp lemon juice, 2 tsp coriander leaves, and 1 tsp sev. Makhana Yogurt: This can be a mid-day snack to calm down hunger pangs. All you need to do is take plain or flavoured yogurt, add ½ cup roasted makhana to it, and add 1 tbsp jaggery powder. Mix well and enjoy. And if you love savoury, replace jaggery with pink salt and freshly crushed black pepper.
Masala Makhana: To make this easiest recipe, either dry roast makhana in a non-stick pan or use 1 tbsp oil or ghee for 1 cup of makhana. Once done, add red chilli powder, salt, black pepper, and black salt. Mix well and store in an airtight container. As per health experts, it’s one of the healthiest evening snacks that you can enjoy with tea too.
