Falooda or Faluda is a popular Indian summer dessert drink made with various layers of thickened milk, sweet basil seeds (sabja seeds), falooda sev (vermicelli noodles), ice cream, nuts, and rose syrup. This delicious frozen dessert is typically served chilled.
Experiment with flavored soufflés to surprise and delight your guests.
Table of contents
This is one of such dessert drinks that is served in restaurants, ice cream parlors, and on the streets of most Indian cities. It is a wonderful dessert that is ideal on hot and humid days. Plus, it is also a great dessert for a summer pool party or for outdoor dining.
With the combination of diverse textures and flavors, Faluda is a dessert drink that is sure to satisfy your taste glands.
On this page, you will get a step-by-step picture and video recipe on how to make refreshing Falooda.
About Falooda Recipe
Falooda is a popular and traditional dessert drink originated in the Indian subcontinent and is now enjoyed all over the world.
It is a chilled, creamy, and delightful dessert which is prepared with chilled sweetened milk or thickened milk, faluda sev (vermicelli noodles), sweet basil seeds (sabja), and sweet rose syrup.
Falooda is also known as faloodah, fallooda, flooda, faloooda, faaloda in different regions. This popular dessert drink in India is made with many variations in different regions.
It is a refreshing and indulgent dessert or drink that is excellent for summer evenings or special occasions.
Plus, it is easy to make at home and can easily be customized with any of seasonal or your favorite fruits, chopped nuts, and different ice cream flavors such as rose, vanilla or kesar pista.
One of the most popular versions of falooda is the faluda ice cream or kulfi falooda. Recipes that are made using Kulfi are known as Kulfi Faluda and the ones that use ice cream instead of kulfi are known as ice cream falooda.
Some faluda recipe variations use add fruits or fruit puree. Some recipes are made using kulfi, and other recipes have ice cream. I made the recipe using ice cream.
This is a best homemade falooda recipe made from scratch with a combination of vermicelli, basil seeds, rose syrup, and thickened milk. The fail-proof recipe is simple and easy-to-prepare and can be made in no time.
Another incredible thing about this faluda recipe is that you can also make it using store-bought falooda sev.
If you are looking for a soul-satisfying, indulgent treat that is easy to make and refreshing, then faluda is the perfect dessert for you.
How to make Falooda at home
To make the best homemade falooda recipe, start by reducing the milk to 3/4. Then sweeten it with sugar. You can also flavor it with cardamom or saffron strands. Add chopped nuts to this reduced milk. Let the milk chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Also, soak the basil seeds in water for 10-15 minutes. Next, make the cornstarch or falooda noodles by whisking the cornstarch with cold water. This mixture is then cooked on a low heat for about 5 minutes or until translucent.
This hot mixture is then added to a piping bag or a sev maker. After that, this hot mixture is shaped into noodles directly into iced water. Let falooda noodles sit in iced water for 30 minutes, your noodles are ready.
Alternatively, you can cook the readymade faluda sev according to the package instructions and set them aside to cool.
To assemble the falooda, start by adding a layer of rose syrup to the bottom of the glass. Next, add a layer of soaked basil seeds, faluada noodles, and chopped nuts. Followed by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pour the chilled thickened milk. Garnish soaked basil seeds, noodles, chopped nuts and tutti frutti. Drizzle with rose syrup for extra indulgence. Your delicious faluda is ready!
There are so many variants of the falooda recipes, including fruit-based falooda such as mango falooda, strawberry falooda, etc. Feel free to experiment with assorted flavors, syrups, toppings, or fruits to make your own distinct variety of faluda.
It is best to assemble the drink just before serving to make sure that it is fresh and cool. But it can also be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours.
This Falooda Recipe
✓ is refreshing, indulging and delicious drink
✓ can be enjoyed any time of the year
✓ has creamy and chilled texture
✓ is a soul-satisfying drink
✓ made from scratch using simple ingredients
✓ is easy and quick to prepare at home
✓ can also be relished as a stand-alone dessert
✓ can also be customized
✓ is a perfect dessert for gatherings and parties
✓ ideal for cooling during hot summer days
✓ can also be made vegan
✓ includes healthy ingredients like nuts & basil seeds
Falooda Ingredients
It is a lovely dessert drink made that has a satisfying taste. To make this dessert, you will need only a few handy ingredients. Here are the main ingredients in this recipe:
- Cornstarch: It is used for making falooda sev which is one of the main ingredients of this recipe. These sev are thin, long noodles made from cornstarch. To make faluda sev or vermicelli noodles, you will need a mix of cornstarch and water.
Falooda sev is also available at Asian grocery stores worldwide. If you do not want to make noodles at home, then you can also use store-bought falooda sev for making this falooda. That also works perfectly fine in this recipe.
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Rose syrup: It is a key ingredient of this falooda recipe. Rose syrup is colorful and fragrant sweet syrup made using rose petals, rose water, sugar, and food coloring. This pink syrup adds a pretty pink color and floral aroma to this dessert. For this faluda recipe, you can use both store-bought and homemade rose syrup.
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Basil seeds: Sweet basil seeds also known as sabja seeds are tiny black seeds that are added for a cooling property, slight crunch, and texture. Similar to chia seeds, when you soak these seeds in water, they swell up and become jelly-like.
If you do not have sweet basil seeds, then you can also use chia seeds for this recipe.
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Ice Cream/Kulfi: Falooda drink is typically served with a scoop of ice cream or kulfi. Ice cream adds a creamy and cold element to the dessert drink. I have used vanilla ice cream for this faluda recipe, but you can also use rose ice cream.
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Milk: Falooda can be made either with chilled sweetened milk or with thickened sweetened milk. This sweetened milk is the base of this drink, and it gives it a creamy and smooth texture. It is best to use whole or full cream milk for the best taste and flavor.
I have thickened milk for this recipe, but you can also use chilled sweetened milk.
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Sugar: I have added sugar to sweeten the milk. Feel free to adjust it to personal taste.
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Nuts & Tutti Frutti: Chopped nuts like cashews, almonds or pistachios are added to falooda for crunch and flavor. I have also added colorful tutti-frutti for a fruity crunch and sweetness.
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Saffron: This is a sweet spice added to this milk for flavor and to enhance the yellow color of the desert.
More rose recipes you might enjoy are: Rose Masala Chai, Rose Overnight Oats Rose, Iced Rose Latte, Coconut rose Modak, Rose Ice Cream, Watermelon Rose Drink, Rose Lassi, Rose and Pistachio Frozen Dessert, and Rose Flavoured Greek Yogurt.
Variations
There are many variants of this traditional faluda drink recipe. Here are some popular variants you can try:
Chocolate Faluda
If you love chocolate flavored dessert and drinks, then you can make chocolate flavored falooda. To make this type of falooda you just need to swap rose syrup with chocolate. You can also add some cocoa powder to thicken milk.
And garnish chocolate falooda with chocolate syrup and chocolate chips.
Kulfi Faluda
In this variation you replace the ice cream with malai kulfi or rose kulfi. A creamy kulfi adds a rich and creamy texture to this dessert. Cut kulfi into bite size pieces and use it instead of ice cream. Also, use cardamom to flavor thickened milk to make it more enticing.
Kesar Pista Falooda
In this saffron pistachio falooda version, you cook the milk with saffron and pistachios. Also, to layer, you use saffron infused milk along with other regular falooda ingredients such as basil seeds, vermicelli, thickened saffron milk, or kesar pista ice cream. Top it with chopped pistachios, falooda sev, basil leaves, and saffron infused milk.
Mango Faluda
Here, you mix thickened milk with mango puree. Chopped mangoes and mango puree are also added to the falooda glass along with other ingredients such as vermicelli, basil seeds, rose syrup, nuts, and vanilla or mango ice cream. You can also top it with mango jello and rose syrup.
Fruit/Berry Falooda
For making fruit falooda you can use a variety of fresh or canned fruits. Fruits add a refreshing and healthy twist to the dessert drink.
The pureed or chopped fruits that taste well in falooda are like mango, strawberry, kiwi, melon, blueberry, blackberry, pineapple, or raspberry.
Dried Fruit & Nut Falooda
This type of falooda has loads of nuts and dried fruits. You can use chopped dates, raisins, chopped dried apricots or even chopped prunes. Nuts you can add to this faluda are almonds, cashews, and pistachios.
To assemble, layer glass with basil seeds, vermicelli, chopped dried fruits and nuts, rose flavored jello, rose syrup, thickened milk, and ice cream. Top with more nuts, more dried fruit, and rose syrup.
Storage Suggestions
It tastes best when assembled and consumed fresh as soon as possible because the faluda and basil seeds absorb the liquid and become soft after storing. But you can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Serving Suggestions
Faluda is traditionally served chilled in tall glasses, with layers of basil seeds, rose syrup, vermicelli, and milk, topped with a scoop of ice cream and garnished with nuts and dried fruits. It can be served as a stand-alone dessert or it can also be served with snacks such as chips chaat, pakora chaat, samosa chaat, paneer pakora, or aloo pakora.
Pro Tips & Tricks to make the best Falooda
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Chill Ingredients: To make the best tasting falooda it is essential to use chilled ingredients. This step ensures you get a refreshing and cool dessert drink.
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Make Ahead: If you are planning to prepare it in advance, then make the noodles, soak the basil seeds, make the thickened milk and store all the components separately. When you are ready to serve, simply assemble the falooda in layers in a tall glass. Finally, top with ice cream and garnishes of your choice.
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Vegan Falooda: To make a vegan version of falooda, use plant based or vegan milk such as almond milk, coconut milk or oat milk. Also, use vegan ice cream.
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Refined Sugar Free Faluda: To make it refined sugar-free, replace sugar with dates, maple syrup or honey. Also, use refined sugar free ice cream.
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Nut Free: Simply skip adding any types of nuts to make this drink nut free.
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Egg Free: Remember to use egg free ice cream to make sure that your drink is egg free.
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Garnishes: You can garnish this drink with a variety of nuts like almonds, pistachios, and cashews. You can also use dried fruits, tutti frutti or fresh fruits. Adding crunchy toppings like nuts or seeds can provide a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the faluda.
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Use high-quality ingredients: To achieve the best taste and texture, remember to use only high-quality ingredients such as fresh rose syrup, fresh vermicelli, and fresh milk.
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Use sweetened milk: Make sure to use sweetened milk to the faluda recipe. You can either make rabri like I did, or simply use sweetened chilled milk. For an indulgent dessert taste and creamy texture, it is best to use full-fat or full cream milk.
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Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different flavors and combinations to make your unique faluda recipe. You can try different syrups such as chocolate or caramel. You can also use fresh fruit puree, like mango, blueberry, or strawberry.
FAQ
What is falooda?
Faluda is a popular Indian dessert or drink prepared using sweetened milk, basil seeds, vermicelli noodles, vanilla ice cream, and sweet rose syrup. This dessert is generally served chilled and topped with ice cream, and nuts.
What is falooda made of?
Classic traditional falooda is made of faluda sev (corn starch noodles), soaked basil seeds, milk, rose syrup, and ice cream.
What are the black seeds in falooda?
The black seeds in falooda are called sweet basil seeds, also known as sabja seeds in Hindi language. Basil seeds are commonly used in summer drinks and desserts in India. These seeds are similar to chia seeds in appearance and texture.
They are added to this drink for their cooling properties, nutritional benefits, and crunchy texture.
Is falooda good for health?
Falooda contains milk, nuts, and basil seeds, which provide essential nutrients and vitamins. But it also uses sweetened milk and sweet syrup, so it is high in calories and sugar. Hence it is suggested to be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can I eat faluda during pregnancy?
Falooda does not have any ingredients that are harmful during pregnancy. It is important to note that falooda is high in sugar and calories, so it is best to consume in moderation. Also, it is advised to check with your doctor first.
What are some variations of faluda?
Falooda recipe has many variations. Some popular types of faluda flavors are chocolate, rose, saffron, mint, mango, and strawberry.
How should I store falooda?
It is best to assemble the falooda right before serving to ensure the freshness and taste. Falooda can be stored in the refrigerator and served within a few hours of preparation.
Can chia seeds be used in falooda?
Basil seeds and chia seeds have a similar texture, nutritional profile, and taste. So yes, chia seeds can be used in faluda as a substitute for basil seeds. They are used in the same way as basil seeds.
Falooda Recipe (Step-by-step photo instructions)
Making Thickened Milk
- In a pan, heat the milk over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 7-8 minutes or until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add sugar and stir well. Let it cook for 2 more minutes, then add chopped nuts and mix well. Boil for 1 minute, turn off the heat, and let it cool to room temperature. Then chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until ready to serve.
Making Falooda Sev
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornflour and 1 cup of water to create a lump-free mixture. Gradually add in the remaining water and continue to mix until smooth. Transfer the cornflour mixture to a non-stick pan and cook it over medium to low heat while continuously stirring for approximately 4-5 minutes or until the mixture becomes pasty and translucent. Remove it from the pan.
- Use a namkeen maker with finest holes plate/attachment. Carefully add the hot mixture into the mold and cover with the lid. Alternatively, use a ziplock or a piping bag.
- Pipe the mixture out directly over a bath of ice and water to make falooda sev (noodles). The falooda sev will set once it comes into contact with the ice-cold water. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture. Allow the falooda sev to rest in the ice-cold water in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes or until ready to use.
Soaking the Sweet Basil Seeds
- Add the sabja seeds to a mixing bowl. Also, add water and mix well. Soak them in water for about 10 minutes until they swell up and become soft and translucent. Keep them aside.
Assembling Falooda
- In a tall glass, add 1.5 tablespoons of rose syrup. Top with a layer of cooked falooda sev (noodles), followed by a layer of soaked sweet basil seeds, and then a layer of chopped nuts and tutti frutti. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream over the noodles and seeds, and pour the thickened milk. Drizzle with rose syrup and garnish with more sabja seeds, falooda sev, chopped nuts, and tutti frutti on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Card
Falooda Recipe [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 5 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 35 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Desserts | Indian | 3 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 402 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Falooda Recipe
- Chilled water
- Ice cubes, as needed
- 1 cup corn flour
- 2.5 cups water
For Soaked Sabja
- 2 tablespoons sweet basil seeds
- Water, as required
For Thickened Milk
- 3.5 cups whole or full-fat milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar, or as required
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts
For Assembling
- Falooda Sev
- Soaked sabja
- 3 tablespoons chopped nuts for garnish
- 2 tablespoons tutti frutti
- 3-4 large scoops of vanilla ice cream or rose ice cream
- 1/3 cup of rose syrup
- Chopped nuts and fruits for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Making Thickened Milk
- In a pan, heat the milk over medium heat and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 7-8 minutes or until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add sugar and stir well. Let it cook for 2 more minutes, then add chopped nuts and mix well. Boil for 1 minute, turn off the heat, and let it cool to room temperature. Then chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until ready to serve.
Making Falooda Sev
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornflour and 1 cup of water to create a lump-free mixture. Gradually add in the remaining water and continue to mix until smooth. Transfer the cornflour mixture to a non-stick pan and cook it over medium to low heat while continuously stirring for approximately 4-5 minutes or until the mixture becomes pasty and translucent. Remove it from the pan.
- Use a namkeen maker with finest holes plate/attachment. Carefully add the hot mixture into the mold and cover with the lid. Alternatively, use a ziplock or a piping bag.
- Pipe the mixture out directly over a bath of ice and water to make falooda sev (noodles). The falooda sev will set once it comes into contact with the ice-cold water. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture. Allow the falooda sev to rest in the ice-cold water in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes or until ready to use.
Soaking the Sweet Basil Seeds
- Add the sabja seeds to a mixing bowl. Also, add water and mix well. Soak them in water for about 10 minutes until they swell up and become soft and translucent. Keep them aside.
Assembling Falooda
- In a tall glass, add 1.5 tablespoons of rose syrup. Top with a layer of cooked falooda sev (noodles), followed by a layer of soaked sweet basil seeds, and then a layer of chopped nuts and tutti frutti. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream over the noodles and seeds, and pour the thickened milk. Drizzle with rose syrup and garnish with more sabja seeds, falooda sev, chopped nuts, and tutti frutti on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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NOTES:
- You can adjust the amount of sweet basil seeds and flavored syrup according to your taste preference.
- You can also add other toppings like jelly, or whipped cream to make the Falooda more decadent.
- To make the best tasting falooda it is essential to use chilled ingredients. This step ensures you get a refreshing and cool dessert drink.
- To make a vegan version of falooda, use plant based or vegan milk such as almond milk, coconut milk or oat milk. Also, use vegan ice cream.
- If you are planning to prepare it in advance, then make the noodles, soak the basil seeds, make the thickened milk and store all the components separately. When you are ready to serve, simply assemble the falooda in layers in a tall glass. Finally, top with ice cream and garnishes of your choice.
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/falooda-recipe/