Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Mango Falooda Recipe – Sabja Seeds & Rose Syrup Delight

Introduction

Okay, let’s be real – is there anything that screams ‘summer in India’ quite like a tall glass of chilled Falooda? This Mango Falooda recipe is a family favorite, and honestly, it’s my go-to when I need a little bit of sweet, cooling comfort. I first made this for a summer party years ago, and it was gone in minutes! It’s surprisingly easy to put together, and the combination of textures and flavors is just… divine. Get ready for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mango Falooda isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s creamy, crunchy, sweet, and fragrant all at once. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those delicious summer mangoes. It’s perfect for beating the heat, impressing guests, or just indulging in a little self-care. And honestly, who doesn’t love a dessert that looks as good as it tastes?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this Mango Falooda magic:

• 2 tsp basil seeds / sabja seeds
• 1 cup water
• 0.5 cup falooda sev / vermicelli
• 1.5 cup full cream milk
• 1 tsp sugar
• 4 tbsp mango pieces
• 2 tsp rose syrup
• 4 tbsp mango jelly, cubed
• 0.5 cup mango pulp
• 2 scoop mango ice cream
• 2 tsp cashews, pistachios, almonds, chopped
• 3 tsp tutti frutti

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Sabja Seeds (Basil Seeds): Benefits and Soaking

These tiny seeds are nutritional powerhouses! They’re packed with fiber and antioxidants. Soaking them is essential – it transforms them into a lovely, jelly-like consistency. Don’t skip this step!

Falooda Sev: Types and Preparation

You can find falooda sev (thin vermicelli) at most Indian grocery stores. There are different thicknesses available; I prefer the thinner ones for a more delicate texture. A quick boil softens them up perfectly.

Rose Syrup: Regional Variations & Quality

Rose syrup adds that signature floral aroma. The quality really matters here – a good rose syrup will have a strong, natural rose flavor. You can find different brands, some are more concentrated than others, so adjust to your taste.

Mangoes: Choosing the Right Variety for Sweetness

The star of the show! Alphonso mangoes are the gold standard for sweetness and flavor, but Kesar or Dasheri mangoes work beautifully too. Choose mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch and fragrant.

Full Cream Milk: Alternatives for Different Dietary Needs

Full cream milk gives the falooda a lovely richness. If you prefer, you can use low-fat milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk for a vegan option (see variations below!).

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking (or rather, assembling!).

1. First, let’s get those sabja seeds going. Soak them in 1 cup of water for about 30 minutes. You’ll see them puff up into a jelly-like consistency – that’s exactly what we want!
2. While the sabja seeds are soaking, boil the falooda sev in water for about 2 minutes. Drain it well and set aside. This softens the sev so it’s nice and chewy.
3. In a saucepan, gently boil the milk with sugar until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least an hour. Cold milk is key!
4. Now for the fun part – layering! In a tall glass, start with a layer of the soaked sabja seeds.
5. Next, add a layer of the boiled falooda sev.
6. Follow that with a generous helping of mango pieces and a drizzle of rose syrup.
7. Add a layer of mango jelly cubes.
8. Pour in some of the chilled milk and a spoonful of mango pulp.
9. Top it all off with two scoops of mango ice cream, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, and a dash of tutti frutti.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Chill everything! Seriously, the colder the ingredients, the better the falooda.
• Don’t overboil the falooda sev. You want it soft, not mushy.
• Adjust the sweetness. Add more or less sugar and rose syrup to your liking.
• Get creative with the layering. There’s no right or wrong way to do it!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Mango Falooda

Swap the full cream milk for coconut milk or almond milk, and use a vegan mango ice cream. It’s just as delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.

Gluten-Free Mango Falooda

Falooda sev is typically made from wheat. Ensure you use gluten-free falooda sev, which is now readily available in many stores.

Spice Level Adjustment (Cardamom Infusion)

For a warmer flavor, add a pinch of cardamom powder to the milk while boiling. It adds a lovely aromatic touch.

Festival Adaptations (Ramadan/Summer Celebrations)

Falooda is a popular treat during Ramadan. It’s a great way to break your fast with something sweet and refreshing. It’s also perfect for any summer celebration!

Serving Suggestions

Serve immediately for the best texture. A tall glass and a colorful straw make it extra festive! You can also garnish with a few extra mango slices or a sprinkle of rose petals.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, falooda is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the individual components (sabja seeds, falooda sev, chilled milk) separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble just before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is Falooda and where does it originate from?

Falooda is a popular Indian dessert drink. Its origins can be traced back to Persia, but it’s been adapted and perfected in India over centuries.

Can I make Falooda ahead of time?

You can prepare the sabja seeds and falooda sev ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the falooda just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

What can I substitute for Rose Syrup?

If you don’t have rose syrup, you can use a small amount of rose water, but it won’t have the same sweetness. You could also try a different floral syrup, like lavender.

How do I get the perfect consistency for Sabja Seeds?

Soak the sabja seeds in enough water (about 6:1 water to seed ratio) and for at least 30 minutes. They should be plump and jelly-like.

Can I use different types of ice cream in Mango Falooda?

Absolutely! While mango ice cream is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla, pistachio, or even strawberry.