Makhana Paag

The auspicious festival of Janmashtami is here and as we know that no Indian festival is complete without sweets, here is a special recipe for you all. Makhana Paag is a unique and easy recipe that you can make at home in no time. Made with just 6 ingredients- lotus seeds (makhana), grated coconut, sugar, green cardamom, black pepper and ghee; this mithai recipe is apt for festivals and special occasions. Makhana is a fibre-rich and protein-rich food item that is also low in calories. The combo of crushed roasted makhana with coconut, sugar and ghee is indeed heavenly. You can also add raisins, almonds and cashews to the dish to make the Makhana Paag richer. If you like to try out different recipes at home, then don't forget to bookmark this recipe. Do try this recipe, rate it and let us know how it turned out to be by leaving a comment in the section below. Happy Cooking! (image credits-istock)

INGREDIENTS

1 cup lotus seed

1 cup grated coconut

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon green cardamom

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoon ghee

How to make Makhana Paag

Step 1

Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan. Add lotus seeds (makhana) and give a toss. Roast the makhana on low-medium flame till they turn golden in colour. Keep tossing to prevent them from burning.

Step 2

Now crush the makhana using a mortar pestle roughly. You can also grind them in a blender, but don't make a fine powder; the makhana should form a coarse mixture.

Step 3

Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a pan. Add grated coconut and roast it for 3-4 minutes. Keep stirring it thoroughly using a ladle.

Step 4

Add sugar to a pot along with 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil and mix to dissolve the sugar completely. Let it simmer until the mixture thickens just a bit.

Step 5

Now add crushed makhana, roasted coconut, green cardamom and black pepper. Mix and cook until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.

Step 6

Let the mixture cool down for 5 minutes. Now grease a steel plate and pour the mixture in it. Spread evenly with barfi-like thickens and let it set for 30-40 minutes.

Step 7

Now cut into barfis and serve them. Enjoy!