Punjabi · Food & Drink
ਮੱਖਣ
makkhan
Butter
Beginnernoun
Definition
White butter — generously spread on parathas and saag.
Example
ਪਰਾਠੇ ਉੱਤੇ ਮੱਖਣ ਪਾ ਦਿਓ।
Put butter on the paratha.
Etymology
'ਮੱਖਣ' (makkhan) is derived from the Sanskrit word 'मास' (māsa), meaning butter or dairy products. It has been a traditional dairy item in Punjab for centuries.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in both spoken and written Punjabi, 'ਮੱਖਣ' is usually found in informal settings, but it also appears in culinary literature. It’s a key ingredient in Punjabi cooking.