Falooda – a rose flavored drink
Falooda is the perfect summer treat! It’s cool and refreshing drink with layers of strawberry jelly, rose syrup sweet basil seeds, vermicelli, milk, ice cream and nuts. It’s so colorful to even look at.
Falooda is an Indian version of a cold dessert made with noodles which originates in Persian cuisine known as Faloodeh. Traditionally it is prepared by mixing rose syrup and sweet basil seeds with milk, often served with kulfi or ice cream. The vermicelli is an important part of the dis often made from tapioca or cornstarch or corn flour.
The different colors and textures of falooda is what makes it unique drink or dessert.
Components of Falooda
Strawberry Jelly – You can use any colored or flavored jelly. But, usually to go wit the flavors of rose and color of the drink, strawberry is the most used jelly. It can be optional too.
Sweet Basil Seeds/ Sabja seeds – These are very similar to chia seeds but they are called tukmaria or sabja seeds, these give its characteristic appearance and texture.
Vermicelli Noodles – easily available at Indian grocery stores known as falooda sev is made with corn starch. Some people make it at home, but I have used store- bought. Just like any dried noodles, you can cook these for 3 minutes in boiling water to soften them up. Don’t overcook the noodles.
Rose syrup/Rooh Afza – the main component for flavoring is very important. It’s not same as transparent rose water. This syrup is sweet and pink in color. Only one brand really makes it. Hard to miss at the stores. Comes in a big bottle but stays long time.
Milk – Milk is boiled for few minutes to thicken it a bit and slightly sweetened. Evaporated milk can be used, but it makes over all drink too sweet. So, I prefer regular full fat milk. You can of course use low fat if you like.
Ice cream – Ideally vanilla ice cream is used or Kulfi is added. But there no limitations when it comes to ice cream. You can use strawberry or kesar pista. Don’t use chocolate ice cream. You want something that compliments the flavors.
Nuts – Any chopped nuts go well. Ofcourse I am biased towards pistachios. Cashews or almonds also taste good.
Other garnishes – fresh fruits, Tutti Frutti, saffron, cherry, dried rose petals etc.
Vermicelli
Falooda can be easily prepared in disposable glasses and kept ready to serve for a bigger gathering. Just add ice cream right before serving.
During summer, if you are throwing parties or having get togethers, make a falooda bar. Keep everything in a tray and let people mix and add everything themselves as per their preference. Make sure to leave some straws and spoons. It requires both to enjoy.
There is no right or wrong way of assembling this drink. Its depends on how you want it to look. If looks don’t matter than just do what your hearts cares. You can mix the basil seeds, vermicelli and rose syrup, milk and then mix it all up in a big serving bowl for serving bigger crowds. Leave ice cream and nuts at the end.
It is always served cold. So, make sure all components are cold. It does have some separate components but it comes together easily.
Falooda – a rose flavored drink
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk boiled and slightly thickened
- 1 tsp sugar optional
- 2 tsp chia seeds or sabja seeds
- 3-4 tbsp rose syrup aka Rooh Afza
- ½ packet vermicelli or falooda sev
- 1 cup strawberry jelly
- Vanilla ice cream
- Garnishes – nuts, dried rose petals, cherries, fruits etc.
Instructions
- Make strawberry jelly as per package directions. Let it set. Cut into pieces.
- In a pot on medium heat, boil milk with sugar until it comes to full boil. Turn off the heat and let it cool down completely. You can also store it in the fridge until you are ready to assemble. Adding sugar is completely optional as rose syrup already has a lot of sweetness.
- Soak basil/chia seeds in ½ cup water until they swell up and became gelatinous.
- Boil a cup of water and once the water comes to boil, add the vermicelli and cook it until they soften up. Strain the water out and leave them to cool down.
Assembly
- Take two tall glasses, add a tsp of rose syrup followed by jelly, chia seeds, vermicelli and chilled milk. Top it with ice cream and nuts. Add a tiny drizzle of rose syrup. Serve it cold.
XO, Devangi