Falooda
- Course: Dessert/Beverage
- Place of Origin: India
- Main ingredients: Milk, rose syrup, vermicelli, sweet basil, noodle
A Mughlai Indian version of cold dessert that is delectable, fragrant, and utterly delicious, Falooda is a blend of milk, noodles or vermicelli (made from cornstarch or wheat and has a milky taste), rose syrup, jelly, sweet basil, and other variety of ingredients that makes a dense semi-fluid dessert served in a tall glass often with ice-cream. Originated from the Persian dish Faloodeh, Falooda has several alternates found across West, Central, and South Asia. The current form of Falooda was created during the Mughal period by the Persianate rulers who came with their own adaptations of the dessert, particularly in Hyderabad Deccan and the Carnatic areas of present India.The dessert is a common street food dessert/beverage that is enjoyed by people of all walks of life. It is also a very popular dessert option in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Falooda in Hindi slang is also used as a term of reference to something that has been shredded or ruined, which is an insinuation to the vermicelli noodles present in the dessert in a disheveled manner. For example, when someone gets embarrassed or falls into a disrepute may use the term ‘’izzat ka falooda’’ which translates to ‘’reputation being shot’’.
This super yummy frozen dessert is a delicious way to enjoy the summers when you are craving for something cold and would like to make it at home. Falooda is made by adding several layers and then topped with an ice-cream and nuts, dried fruits, or cherries that makes it a wholesome delight. All the ingredients to make a falooda are easily available in stores and this makes this umami dessert even more likable and a perfect summer treat.
Making of Falooda
Clean half tablespoon sweet basil seeds or chia seeds, also known as Falooda seeds, and soak them in water for 20 minutes to 2 hours until they absorb water and swell. Get faloodasev and boil in hot water or soak in hot water (according to the instructions in the pack) and drain out the excess water when they are soft. Boil 2 cups of whole fat milk with 2-3 tablespoons of sugar until it reduces a bit and then let it cool down and chill.
Now assemble the falooda. Start with some sweet jelly that is easily available in stores or can be made at home with agar agar. Now add the soaked falooda seeds while making sure there is no water left in the seeds. Add 2-3 tbsps. of sev and some rose syrup on top. Next, transfer the chilled milk along with a scoop of any flavor of icecream and top it with some chopped nuts and cherries. Serve chilled.
Nutritional Content
One glass of Falooda gives 407 calories, out of which carbohydrates comprise 190 calories, proteins account for 42 calories, and fat gives 142 calories. One glass of Falooda gives about 20 percent of the total daily calorie requirement of a standard adult diet of 2000 calories.
Video
Falooda
A delicious cross between dessert and drink, Falooda is a lovely compilation of sweet milk, soft wheat noodles, and chewy seeds that is decorated with nuts, which touches every taste bud in the palate and can be sipped or dug into the layers to get the zesty and decadent flavors.
