Indian Cuisine Recipes

Phool Keema Makhana Recipe | Makhane Ki Sabzi

Phool Keema Makhana Recipe | Makhane Ki Sabzi
Quick answerPhool keema makhana is a vegetarian fox nut (makhana) curry; “keema” refers only to the crumbled texture, and it contains no meat. Onions, dry red chillies, poppy seeds, ginger, garlic and tomato are cooked with garam masala, then makhana and a milk-water mixture are added and simmered 5-10 minutes on low heat. Serve with roti, paratha or rice.
Makhana100 g, no soaking needed
Simmer5-10 min on low heat
Gravy liquid1/2 cup milk + 1/2 bowl water
DietVegetarian, no meat
Serve withRoti, paratha or rice
Fasting?Needs changes, see the FAQ

Note: “Keema” in the name refers to the crumbled, minced-style texture of the makhana in the gravy. This is a completely vegetarian dish and contains no meat.

Follow this recipe to make a very delicious Makhana Sabji / Keema Makhana.

🛒 Ingredients for Phool Keema Makhana Recipe

  • 🌰 100 grams of Makhana
  • 🧅 2 onions (chopped)
  • 🌶️ 3 dry red chillies
  • 🍅 1 tomato (chopped)
  • 🫚 1-inch ginger (chopped)
  • 🧄 6 to 8 garlic cloves
  • 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
  • 🔥 1 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 🌿 1 spoon poppy seeds
  • 🥛 Mixture of 1/2 cup milk & 1/2 bowl of water

👩‍🍳 Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add dry red chillies & onions and sauté until golden brown.
  2. Now, add poppy seeds, followed by ginger & garlic, and roast until lightly golden.
  3. Add chopped tomatoes, garam masala, and salt, then cook until soft and aromatic.
  4. Now, add Makhana and pour in the milk-water mixture.
  5. Add some more water if needed and let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes on low heat.
  6. Hot & delicious Keema Makhana is ready! Serve with roti, paratha, or rice and enjoy! 🍽️😋

Watch the Phool Keema Makhana Recipe Video

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10 Frequently Asked Questions About Phool Keema Makhana Recipe

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Do I need to soak Makhana before cooking? 🌊
No, Makhana doesn’t need to be soaked. It softens while cooking in the gravy
Can I skip poppy seeds in this recipe? 🌿
Yes, if poppy seeds are unavailable, you can substitute them with cashew paste or sesame seeds for a rich texture.
How can I make Keema Makhana more flavorful? 😋
Roasting Makhana in ghee, adding a little cream or fresh coriander, enhances the taste.
Can I make this dish without onion and garlic? 🧄🚫
Yes, you can skip onion and garlic. Use Hing (asafoetida) and extra ginger for flavour.
How do I make the gravy thicker? 🍛
Add cashew paste, almond paste, or a little cornflour to make the gravy thicker and creamier.
Should I roast the Makhana before adding it? 🔥
Yes, lightly roasting Makhana in ghee or oil before adding it enhances its crunch and flavour.
What can I use instead of milk? 🥛
You can replace milk with coconut milk, almond milk, or fresh cream for a different taste.
Can I eat this dish during fasting (vrat)? 🛕
You can make a fasting-friendly version, but it needs more than skipping onion and garlic: leave out the poppy seeds and garam masala, use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt, and check that tomatoes are allowed in your specific fast, as rules vary by tradition and region.
What can I serve with Keema Makhana? 🍽️
It pairs well with roti, naan, paratha, or plain steamed rice.
Which oil is best for cooking this recipe? 🛢️
Mustard oil, ghee, or butter are the best options for an authentic taste. Cooking in ghee enhances the flavour! 😍