Homemade crunchy and colorful Mukhwas, a perfect after meal digestive and mouth freshener!
Mukhwas, is a mix of various toasted seeds that are known to help with digestion. Some of the seeds like fennel have floral fragrance which helps to remove any after taste in the mouth and acts as a mouth freshener, like an after dinner mint. Many ayurvedic herbal and scientific medicines for stomach upset especially for babies include Fennel and Dill seeds extracts. They are very mild so works well for infants and appropriate for daily use.
A bowl of this is commonly found at the exit of Indian restaurants for patrons to enjoy after their meal. There are many variations, you can customize the mix to include or exclude things per your taste. If you like it spicy use more Dill/Suwa and Carom/Ajwain seeds for a hint of spice. This is a completely different flavor than chili spice. If you like it sweet add colorful candy coated fennel seeds readily available at Indian stores. Some like the flavor and crunch of Supari which also adds a nice red color, although not readily available everywhere. You can also add almonds for an added crunch. Its really up to you what and how much to include, its very flexible. I like to use the readymade red or green Mukhwas and jazz it up with more ingredients.
Here is my variation, it is a favorite amongst my family and friends. I keep a container on my coffee table and enjoy a spoonful every night after dinner. I also like to make a big batch to share with my family and friends. This is a common return gift/party favor that I give out. Wrap this colorful treat in a nice clear bag or fill a jar and tie a pretty ribbon around it, perfect for holiday celebrations and parties. Its an unusual gift that will be remembered!
Although its simple to make, my friends always ask about the proportions of the ingredients. Simply toast up each ingredient and mix them together. Its not hard to make, just takes a little time and constant watch because each item needs to be toasted separately. They will go from a nice toast to burn within few seconds, so watch it constantly. Using a small toaster oven works well so you can see inside and easily add and remove trays. Fill in an airtight container and enjoy for months. So here it is:
Time: 30-40 mins
Makes: 3.5 cups worth
Level of difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Fennel Seeds (Saunff)
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp water
- 3/4 cup Dhana Dal
- 1/3 cups Sesame seeds (till)
- 2 tbsps Carom seeds (Ajwain)
- 1/8 cup Dill seeds (Suwa)
- 1/8 cup Poppy Seeds (Khas khas)
- 2 tbsp Kalonji (black onion seeds)
- 1/4 cup sliced Almonds (no skin)
- Optional: 1/8 cup Flax Seeds (alsi)
- 1 cup Green and or Red Mukhwas candy mix
Method: Times below are for small toaster oven. Is using stovetop or large oven times will vary.
- Set a small toaster oven to 375 degrees F, let it heat up. You can also dry roast in a pan on the stove on medium heat.
- In an oven safe tray, add Fennel seeds, water and salt. Mix together, put in toaster. Toast for 6 mins stirring in between till the water is dried up and color has changed slightly. Be sure all the seeds are dry and toasty. Transfer to a big bowl.
- In that same tray, add Dhana Dal, toast for 6 mins, stir in between till lightly golden brown. Transfer to the big bowl.
- In that same tray, add Dill seeds, toast for 6 mins, stir in between till they smell toasty. Transfer to the big bowl.
- In that same tray, add Sesame seeds, toast for 4 mins, stir in between till lightly colored. Transfer to the big bowl.
- In that same tray, add Kalonji seeds, toast for 4 mins, stir in between till you can smell them. Transfer to the big bowl.
- In that same tray, add Flax seeds, toast for 4 mins, stir in between you will see them popping and splitting apart. Transfer to the big bowl.
- In that same tray, add Ajwain seeds, toast for 3 mins, stir in between till they slight smoke and pop. Transfer to the big bowl.
- In that same tray, add Poppy seeds, toast for 3 mins, stir in between till lightly golden brown. Transfer to the big bowl.
- In that same tray, add Almond slices, toast for 3 mins, stir in between till lightly golden brown. Transfer to the big bowl.
- Mix all the above together and let it sit for 10 mins to cool.
- Once cooled, stir in 2 cups of the red and/or green Mukhwas candy mix.
- Store in a tight sealed jar in the pantry for up to 3 months.
- A perfect end to a filling heavy meal!
- Be sure everything is dry including the utensils. Moisture will make it less crunchy.
- If incase after some time it feels a little soft (because air got into it), simply re-toast the whole thing in the toaster or microwave for a few mins. Be sure not to melt or burn the candy bits.
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Where do we get candy bites
Nice recipe thanks
You can find them at Indian grocery stores, or available on Amazon. Search for Mukhwas and you can find a few options.
Here is one: https://www.amazon.com/Rani-Sugar-Coated-Fennel-Candy/dp/B06XJHMM1M/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=mukhwas&qid=1604849181&sr=8-9
Please, what are “mukhwas”? Are they available in US? (They look like M&Ms) Also, I would like to subscribe to your blog. I am on Facebook and Instagram, as well as Gmail. Thanks, Karen WR
Hello Karen, thank you for your interest. Hope you will find some easy and shortcut ways to cook Indian food with these recipes. Masala Basics has a page on Facebook and Instagram, please follow to learn about new recipes as they are posted. Click on the links at the top of the page to find the page.
Mukhwas is a mix of various seeds, a spoonful is eaten after meals to help with digestion and acts as a mouth freshener to get rid of any smells or aftertaste in the mouth after a heavy meal. Think of it like an after dinner mint. The colorful ingredient in it are fennel seeds that are coated in a sugar candy to give the mix some sweetness. You can buy it at Indian grocery stores, or on Amazon, here is one option: https://www.amazon.com/Rani-Sugar-Coated-Fennel-Candy/dp/B06XJHMM1M/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=mukhwas&qid=1604849181&sr=8-9
Good Luck, thank you for your comment.