Recipe: Makhana Paag

A traditional festive sweet made by coating roasted makhana in sugar syrup, Makhana Paag makes an interesting addition to a Janmashtami Bhog spread.

Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups makhana
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 2 tbsp chopped almonds
• 1 tbsp chopped pistachios
• ½ tsp cardamom powder

Get the ingredients here

Method

1. Heat ghee in a heavy pan and roast the makhana on low heat until crisp. Remove and set aside.
2. Lightly roast the almonds and pistachios in the same pan.
3. Add sugar and water to a clean pan and cook until a thick, sticky syrup forms.
4. Check the syrup by cooling a small drop slightly. It should form a firm thread between your fingers.
5. Add the roasted makhana, nuts and cardamom powder. Mix quickly until evenly coated.
6. Transfer to a greased plate and spread into an even layer.
7. Cool completely and break into pieces before serving.

Tip: Keep the roasted makhana and nuts ready before making the syrup, as the coating sets quickly.