7 Makhana Recipes to Make This Navratri Extra Delicious

Three days into Navratri and I am completely soaking in the festive vibe! The colorful chaniya cholis, the high-energy Garba nights, and of course, the food that makes it all extra special. If you are fasting, finding creative and filling recipes can feel tricky, but that’s where makhana comes in as the real hero. This crunchy little snack from Bihar has gone global, and for good reason. It’s versatile, healthy, and utterly addictive. So, we decided to give makhana a festive makeover and collect recipes for you to make this festive season. Here are seven fun and tasty ways to cook with makhana before the dandiya beats wind down!

Makhana Bhel
Who said bhel is only for chatpata evenings? Toss roasted makhana with potatoes, pomegranate seeds, green chilies, roasted peanuts, and green chutney. Sprinkle roasted jeera powder generously and dig in. It’s crunchy, tangy, and satisfying. A festive chaat that’s perfect for snacking while you get ready for the next aarti.

Makhana Sitaphal Dates Smoothie
Start your day with this creamy, dreamy smoothie. Blend roasted makhana with ripe sitaphal, soft dates, and chilled milk (or plant milk) until velvety. It’s naturally sweet, nutty, and filling enough to keep you energized for Garba practice or work meetings. A great way to sneak in nutrition while treating yourself to a dessert-like drink.

Makhana Instant Snack
Perfect for those mid-evening hunger pangs! Roast makhana in ghee or an air fryer with some peanuts, cashews, almonds, and dry coconut slices. Season with simple salt and pepper if you are fasting, or some chaat masala. This guilt-free, crunchy snack is ready in under 10 minutes and is a hit whether you are binge-watching or waiting for your friends to pick you up for Garba night.

Makhana Raita
Cool, creamy, and crunchy, this makhana raita is everything you want in a festive meal. Lightly roast makhana, crush them, and mix into chilled curd with roasted cumin, red chilli powder, and coriander. The result? A refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with sabudana khichdi, kuttu poori, or just on its own as a cooling bowl.

Makhana Halwa
Your sweet cravings have met their match. Roast makhana in ghee, grind coarsely, and cook with milk, sugar, and cardamom until rich and glossy. This halwa has the perfect bite, slightly chewy with a delicate nuttiness. Garnish with slivers of almonds and pistachios for a festive touch that makes everyone at the table happy.

Makhana Kheer
Makhana kheer is a Navratri classic and for good reason. Slow-cook roasted makhana with milk until soft and luscious, then add sugar, nutmeg, and chopped nuts. This pudding-like dessert is creamy, fragrant, and just the right amount of indulgent. Serve it warm or chilled, either way, it tastes like a festive hug in a bowl.

Coconut Makhana Paag
Bring out the old-school charm with this traditional sweet. Ghee roast all the dry fruits and seeds, along with coconut slivers, and mix it with roasted and crushed makhana in a sugar syrup. Spread it on a tray or plate, let it set, and cut into squares. This paag is chewy, coconutty, and a nostalgic treat that feels like something your grandmother would lovingly make during festivals.

This Navratri, let makhana take the center stage and add a healthy, crunchy, and delicious twist to your festive table. Try all seven and make your celebrations unforgettable!