Strawberry Falooda is a refreshing and delectable dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creamy richness of traditional falooda. This vibrant treat is perfect for warm weather and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. Here’s how to create this delightful dessert at home.
Ingredients:
For the Falooda:
- 1/4 cup falooda sev (vermicelli)
- 2 tablespoons basil seeds (sabja/tukmaria seeds)
- 2 cups chilled milk
- 1/4 cup rose syrup
- 1/4 cup strawberry syrup or fresh strawberry puree
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 scoops of vanilla or strawberry ice cream
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios) for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the Basil Seeds
- Soak the Basil Seeds: Rinse the basil seeds in water, then soak them in a bowl with 1 cup of water for about 30 minutes. They will swell up and become gelatinous. Drain the excess water and set aside.
Step 2: Cooking the Vermicelli
- Boil the Vermicelli: In a pot of boiling water, cook the falooda sev until they are soft (this usually takes about 3-4 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Cut them into smaller pieces if they are too long.
Step 3: Preparing the Strawberries
- Strawberry Puree: Blend fresh or frozen strawberries to make a smooth puree. You can also use store-bought strawberry syrup.
- Chopped Strawberries: Cut fresh strawberries into small cubes.
Step 4: Assembling the Strawberry Falooda
- Layering: In a tall glass, start by adding a spoonful of the soaked basil seeds at the bottom.
- Vermicelli: Add a layer of cooked falooda sev on top of the basil seeds.
- Rose Syrup: Pour in a tablespoon of rose syrup for an added floral note.
- Strawberry Puree: Add a generous layer of strawberry puree or syrup.
- Milk: Slowly pour in the chilled milk, filling the glass about three-quarters full.
- Chopped Strawberries: Add a layer of chopped strawberries on top of the milk.
- Ice Cream: Place a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on top of the chopped strawberries.
- Garnish: Sprinkle some chopped nuts over the ice cream and add a few mint leaves for a refreshing touch.
Serving:
Serve immediately with a spoon and a straw to enjoy the layers and textures of this Strawberry Falooda. This dessert is perfect for summer parties, special occasions, or just as a cooling treat on a hot day.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Falooda:
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries or strawberry syrup.
- Chilled Ingredients: Ensure all the ingredients, especially the milk and strawberry puree, are well-chilled before assembling the falooda.
- Variations: You can experiment with flavors by adding a scoop of kulfi instead of regular ice cream or using flavored milk.
Conclusion:
Strawberry Falooda is a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit your taste. Its vibrant layers and mix of textures make it a feast for the eyes and the palate. This summer, treat yourself and your loved ones to this berry delicious delight, and enjoy the compliments that follow.