JOIN USIt is elegant and most revered flower that finds it name in Hindus scriptures as padma, kamla, pundrika and utpala. Goddess Saraswati is depicted sitting on it while the other deities are shown carrying this flower.
Considered as a symbol of eternity, plenty of good fortune and wealth, the lotus is an integral part of Hindu festivals. However, besides its ritualistic importance, lotus is the only flower whose every part is consumed. From its stem to seeds and leaves, each of these parts of the flower are eatable and are widely used to make some interesting recipes.
If the lotus stem is used to make kebabs, curry and salads then its seeds, also called makhanas are cooked with other vegetables like peas and mushroom and dry fruits like cashew nuts to make lip-smacking gravy. Crispy yet tender, the lotus stem when stir-fried, boiled, steamed or deep-fried gives extra flavour to the overall dish and also makes the taste buds enjoy a new flavour. Seeds or makhanas, on the other hand, are consumed mostly during fasting when makhane ki kheer also serves as an after dinner dessert while many relish it by roasting it in butter and adding salt and pepper to it.
“Lotus seeds make a delicious snack,” says Sneh Lata, who makes sweet and savoury snacks for her kids who study in Pune. “My kids are fond of makhanas so whenever they come to the City I especially cook sugar or salt-coated ones.They enjoy munching them anytime of the day because they find its flavour very appealing. Also, makhane ki kheer and its curry are loved by them.”
Meanwhile, though lotus leaves are not widely used in recipes they come in handy for wrapping rice, as they add flavour to it. “The most amazing quality of the lotus leaf is that when dried, it can be used in tea,” says Sachi Sohal, a dietician at BLK Super Speciality Hospital.
“The leaf is known for the ability to treat liver, stomach, spleen and preventing heart strokes. On the other hand, the whole seed has calming effects on people suffering from insomnia and restlessness. You will find lotus seeds in many herbal remedies as well. The lotus seeds are low in fat and high in protein. They also contain calcium and other minerals but are low in vitamin content,” says the dietician.