A Royal Indian Dessert Drink

 

 A Royal Indian Dessert Drink

Falooda is a delicious, refreshing, and visually stunning dessert drink that originated from Persia and made its way into Indian cuisine. With layers of rose syrup, basil seeds, vermicelli, milk, and ice cream, falooda is the perfect summer indulgence.

Ingredients for Mix Falooda

Here’s what you’ll need:

Basic Ingredients:

• 2 cups full-fat milk (chilled)
• ¼ cup falooda sev (thin vermicelli) (or substitute with rice vermicelli)
• 2 tbsp basil seeds (sabja seeds)
• 2 tbsp rose syrup
• 2 scoops vanilla or kulfi ice cream
• 2 tbsp sugar (optional, adjust to taste)

Toppings and Extras (for Mix Falooda)

• 1 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews)
• 1 tbsp tutti frutti
• 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (for a richer taste)
• 1 tbsp-soaked chia seeds (optional, for extra texture)
• ½ cup mixed fruits (mango, pomegranate, banana, or apple)
• Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Mix Falooda

Step 1: Prepare the Basil Seeds

1.     Soak 2 tbsp basil seeds (sabja seeds) in ½ cup of water for about 15-20 minutes until they swell up.

2.     Drain the water and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Falooda Sev (Vermicelli)

1.     Boil 1 cup of water in a saucepan.

2.     Add ¼ cup falooda sev (vermicelli) and cook for 3-5 minutes until soft.

3.     Drain the hot water and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

4.     Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Milk Base

1.     Take 2 cups of full-fat chilled milk in a mixing bowl.

2.     Add 2 tbsp sugar (if needed) and mix well until dissolved.

3.     For extra richness, you can add 1 tbsp condensed milk.

4.     Keep it refrigerated until use.

Step 4: Assemble the Mix Falooda

Now comes the fun part—layering the falooda!

1.     Start with rose syrup: Take a tall glass and pour 2 tbsp rose syrup at the bottom. Swirl it around for an artistic effect.

2.     Add soaked basil seeds: Next, spoon 1 tbsp of soaked basil seeds over the syrup.

3.     Add cooked falooda sev: Gently add 2 tbsp of the cooked falooda sev.

4.     Pour chilled milk: Slowly pour in the chilled sweetened milk over the layers.

5.     Add a scoop of ice cream: Drop a big scoop of vanilla, mango, or kulfi ice cream on top.

6.     Garnish with toppings: Sprinkle chopped nuts, tutti frutti, soaked chia seeds, and mixed fruits for extra flavor and texture.

7.     Final touch: Drizzle some more rose syrup and optionally, add whipped cream for a fancy look.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

• Serve immediately with a long spoon and straw.
• Stir the layers slightly before drinking to enjoy a mix of flavors in every sip

Variations of Mix Falooda

1. Chocolate Falooda

• Replace rose syrup with chocolate syrup.
• Add chocolate chips and a scoop of chocolate ice cream.

2. Mango Falooda

• Blend mango pulp with milk for a mango-flavored falooda base.
• Use chopped fresh mangoes as a topping.

3. Kulfi Falooda

• Instead of regular ice cream, use malai kulfi or kesar pista kulfi.
• Add saffron strands for extra richness.

4. Dry Fruit Falooda

• Blend cashews, almonds, and dates into the milk for a creamy base.
• Use chopped dates, figs, and raisins as toppings.

5. Strawberry Falooda

• Replace rose syrup with strawberry syrup.
• Top with fresh strawberries and strawberry ice cream.

6. Coffee Falooda

• Mix chilled coffee with milk instead of plain milk.
• Top with a scoop of coffee ice cream.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Falooda

1.     Use Full-Fat Milk – It gives a rich and creamy texture.

2.     Soak Basil Seeds Properly – Let them swell fully before use for the best texture.

3.     Use Fresh Fruits – Adds a natural sweetness and makes it healthier.

4.     Balance the Sweetness – Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of rose syrup and ice cream.

5.     Chill Everything Before Assembling – Cold milk and toppings make the falooda more refreshing.

6.     Don’t Skip the Ice Cream – It adds creaminess and a luxurious taste.

Health Benefits of Falooda Ingredients

While falooda is a rich dessert, some of its ingredients offer health benefits:

• Basil Seeds (Sabja): Helps in digestion, cooling effect on the body, and rich in fiber.
• Milk: A great source of calcium and protein.
• Fruits: Provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
• Nuts: Rich in healthy fats and proteins.