Makhana Curry Recipe

Name: Makhana Curry Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3
Ingredients: 2 cups Golden Deer Classic Roast makhana; 2 medium onions, finely chopped; 2 medium tomatoes, puréed; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 2 green chillies, slit; ½ cup fresh yoghurt, whisked; 2 tbsp ghee or cold-pressed oil; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp turmeric powder; 1 tsp coriander powder; ½ tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder; ½ tsp garam masala; ¼ tsp asafoetida (hing); 1 cup warm water; 2 tbsp fresh cream (optional, for richness); Fresh coriander for garnish; Salt to taste

30 minutesServes 3

A creamy, aromatic North Indian-style curry where roasted makhana puffs float in a rich onion-tomato gravy. This is comfort food with a clean-label upgrade — the makhana absorbs the spiced gravy while retaining a tender bite. Serve with steamed rice or warm rotis for a dinner that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

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Ingredients

Method

1
Heat ghee in a deep pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and asafoetida — let them sizzle for 10 seconds.
2
Add chopped onions and green chillies. Sauté until the onions turn deep golden brown, about 8 minutes. This is the flavour foundation — don't rush it.
3
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4
Add turmeric, coriander powder, and red chilli powder. Stir for 30 seconds until the spices bloom.
5
Pour in the tomato purée. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and oil separates at the edges — about 5–6 minutes.
6
Reduce heat to low. Add whisked yoghurt one spoonful at a time, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
7
Add warm water and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer.
8
Gently stir in the Golden Deer Classic Roast makhana. Simmer for 3–4 minutes — the makhana will soften slightly while retaining their shape. Do not overcook or they will disintegrate.
9
Sprinkle garam masala, add cream if using, and stir gently.
10
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot. The makhana should be tender on the outside with a slight bite in the centre — like dumplings in a rich gravy.