Degchi
A cold, layered dessert-drink popular across Karachi: rose syrup, soaked basil seeds, thin vermicelli noodles, chilled milk and a scoop of ice cream. It is made in minutes once the noodles are boiled, and is a classic for Ramadan evenings and summer afternoons.
Quick answer: 30 min in total · serves 2 · main ingredients: Milk, Rose syrup (Rooh Afza), Basil seeds (tukh malanga), Vermicelli · amounts in metric and US
Ingredients
- 500 ml 2 cup Milk, chilled
- 4 tbsp 4 tbsp Rose syrup (Rooh Afza)
- 2 tsp 2 tsp Basil seeds (tukh malanga)
- 30 g 1 oz Vermicelli, thin falooda vermicelli
- 2 pc 2 pc Ice cream, scoops
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp Sugar (Optional)
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp Dry fruits, chopped pistachios (Optional)
Steps
Timers run only while this tab is open. The Degchi app keeps them running on a locked phone.
- Soak the basil seeds in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water for 15 minutes until they swell and turn translucent.⏱ Soaking seeds · 15 min
- Boil the vermicelli in water for 3 to 4 minutes until soft, drain, rinse with cold water and chill.⏱ Boiling vermicelli · 4 min
- Stir the sugar into the cold milk until dissolved.
- In each tall glass, layer 2 tablespoons of rose syrup, a spoon of basil seeds and a handful of vermicelli.
- Pour the cold milk slowly down the side of the glass so the layers stay visible.
- Top with a scoop of ice cream and chopped pistachios and serve right away with a long spoon.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Falooda take?
30 minutes in total: about 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking.
Is Falooda hard to make?
Degchi rates it easy. The method has 6 steps, and 2 of them have a timer you can start on this page.
How many people does Falooda serve?
This recipe serves 2. Use the toggle above the ingredient list to see the amounts in metric or US measures. For more or fewer portions, scale every amount in the same proportion, or use the servings control in the Degchi app.
Is Falooda halal, vegetarian or eggless?
It is marked halal in our recipe data. It is vegetarian. It has no egg. It has no beef. Check the labels on any packaged ingredients for your own needs.
What will I probably need to buy for Falooda?
Fresh items you will probably need to buy: milk, ice cream. Lentils, grains and other dry goods: rose syrup (Rooh Afza), basil seeds (tukh malanga), vermicelli.
Any tips for making Falooda?
Basil seeds swell a lot; use only the amount listed, and do not give the drink to very young children as the seeds can be a choking risk.
Notes and questions
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