Makhana Kheer Recipe (Indian Fox Nut Pudding)

This humble grain-free milk creamy Indian pudding or Kheer made from lotus seeds- Foxnuts or Makhana, is addictive and amazingly delicious. Made mostly in Navratri Vrat, this Makahne ki kheer, flavored with cardamom and desi ghee, is a perfect dessert for kids!

Makhana Kheer is a traditional Indian dessert made using Makhana (FoxNut / Puffed Lotus seeds), desi ghee, sugar, and milk. Though made for Navratri fasting, Ekadashi, Monday, or Shivratri, this decadent makhane ki kheer can be made on special occasions at any time of the year.

This 10-minute quick recipe for fast involves slowly roasting Makhanas in Ghee and then simmering them in dairy milk till the makhanas soften up. One may grind the crispy roasted makahnas before adding them to milk but I prefer chunks of them in this kheer. Top with fresh fruits and serve warm or cold as you like it.

You may also like Sabudana Khichdi, Makhana Chaat, and Roasted Makhana Recipe

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How To Make Phool Makhane Ki Kheer Recipe
• Which vegetables can be eaten in Navratri Fast?
• Expert Tips
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe FAQs
• More Indian Recipes
• Makhana Kheer {Makhane Ki Kheer}

Ingredients

• Makhana- Fox nut is the main ingredient. Any good variety of Fox nuts for phool makhanas works well for this kheer. You may get it from the local Indian grocery store.
• Desi Ghee- If you wish to make this kheer vegan, you may use coconut oil or any other vegan oil, though it tastes best in ghee.
• Sugar- Granulated white sugar works well. You may use brown sugar or powdered sugar as well. Since milk would be hot, mixing sugar would not be an issue.
• Milk- Dairy Milk (Toned) works great. If you like thick kheer, you may use full-fat milk. If you wish to make a vegan one, add coconut milk. But then taste and quantity may vary.
• Cardamom- Freshly grounded cardamom is added at the last. You may use store-bought cardamom powder too.

How To Make Phool Makhane Ki Kheer Recipe

Step 1.  Prep and Roast Makhanas

Gather the ingredients. If makhanas are not fresh, you may keep them in the sun for 1 hour. In a heavy-bottomed wok / Kadai (an Indian cooking pot that should be washed and dried) transfer makhanas to it. Add desi ghee to it. Put it on the burner. Roast whole makhana on low flame for about 2 minutes until they look brown and crisp. Must have absorbed the ghee.

After roasting, you may ground makhana into a fine powder (coarse powder) to make Kheer. I have omitted that step as I like the whole Makhana in Kheer. If you like creamy kheer, you may use powdered makhana.

Step 2. Add Milk.

Slowly add Milk. It would splutter so be careful. Let it be on low flame else it would come out from the pan. Gradually it will thicken. Takes around 5-10 min. Depends more on quantity. You may adjust it to be thin or thick as you like it. Keep sauteing so that milk doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 3. Flavor it.

You may crush a few makhanas in a pan with a spoon (by now they would be soft). It makes a rich, smooth, and thick kheer. Add cardamom ground powder.

Add sugar and mix well. Switch off the flame. 

Step 4. Serve It.

Your Delicious Makhana Kheer is ready. Serve warm.

Which vegetables can be eaten in Navratri Fast?

I come across this question many times. The answer varies according to the family beliefs and traditions, while avoiding onion and garlic seems to be common for all.. Like in my mother's family who is a Punjabi, tomatoes are not eaten (paneer is eaten) when fasting during Navratri, whereas my husband's family (who are from Baniya Family) allows them (doesn't allow paneer). I have made a simple list based on what I learned from my mother-in-law:

1. Potato
2. Sweet potato
3. Pumpkin
4. Bottle gourd (Lauki)
5. Cucumber
6. Tomato
7. Singhara (Water chestnut)
8. Raw banana
9. Spices: sendah namak, black pepper, jeera, dhaniya powder, garma masala. No Turemric or red chili powder.

Expert Tips

• Wash your hands and face before making the food for fasting.
• Make sure that all utensils are clean and the kitchen is clean, especially the cooking zone.
• No mixing of other things (those we don't eat fast like dal, and chapati) in parallel.
• Don't use old ghee/oil or spices. Always use fresh ghee.
• Once the food is ready, make a small bhog for the God (Mata rani, etc) and offer food first to them. Let it cool a bit (not very hot food shall be served to God)
• Take a heavy-bottomed saucepan as this recipe is a pot recipe and milk tends to get collected at the bottom of the pan. Keep stirring to avoid any burning of the milk. Make sure to cook on a low-medium flame (after the milk takes the first boil)
• Add sugar at the last in any Indian Sweets- Kheer, halwa, etc.
• When adding milk to roasted makhanas, milk will splutter so add it gradually.

Serving Suggestions

I recommend serving this kheer fresh. If it's made for a fast, I prefer serving it to the deity and then having it as prasad. This can be had as is or teamed with sabudana papad, fried potatoes, aloo curry, Kuttu Puri, and curd for a complete fast meal.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container with a lid for about 2 days. Make sure that you cool the kheer first before storing it and avoid using plastic containers.

Recipe FAQs

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