Rooh Afza with Sabja Seeds Recipe – Refreshing Summer Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Rooh Afza With Sabja Seeds Recipe – Refreshing Summer Drink

Hey everyone! If you grew up in India, chances are you have very fond memories of Rooh Afza. For me, it instantly brings back summer afternoons at my grandmother’s house, cool and refreshed after playing outside. This Rooh Afza with Sabja Seeds recipe is a super simple way to recreate that feeling – and it’s perfect for beating the heat! It’s a classic for a reason, and I’m so excited to share my version with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a drink; it’s a little bit of nostalgia in a glass. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients. Plus, it’s naturally cooling and packed with the goodness of sabja seeds. Honestly, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful drink:

• 3.5 cups water (approximately 840ml)
• 4 to 5 tablespoons Rooh Afza syrup (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tablespoon sweet basil seeds (sabja seeds) – about 7-8 grams
• 4 to 5 ice cubes (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Water: I always use filtered water for the best taste. You can even use chilled water to speed things up!
• Rooh Afza Syrup: This is the star of the show! You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online.
• Sabja Seeds: Don’t confuse these with chia seeds! While they look similar, sabja seeds have a slightly different texture and a milder flavor.
• Ice Cubes: Totally optional, but highly recommended on a scorching day.

Rooh Afza Syrup: A Nostalgic Indian Flavor

Rooh Afza isn’t just a syrup; it’s a cultural icon. Developed in 1907, it was originally created as a traditional Unani medicine to provide relief from heat and fatigue. It’s made with a secret blend of herbs and fruits, giving it that unique, floral, and slightly spicy flavor.

Sabja Seeds (Sweet Basil Seeds): Nutritional Benefits and Texture

These tiny seeds are a powerhouse of goodness! They’re a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. But beyond the health benefits, they add a wonderful, slightly gelatinous texture to the drink, making it extra refreshing.

Water Quality & Temperature

Using good quality water really does make a difference. Filtered water is best. And if you’re short on time, start with chilled water – it’ll help cool the drink down faster!

Instructions

Let’s get to making this magic happen!

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. First things first, let’s get those sabja seeds soaking. Add the 0.5 tablespoon of sabja seeds to ?? cup of water (about 120ml) and let them sit for about 30 minutes. You’ll notice they swell up and become wonderfully plump.
2. Once the sabja seeds are ready, drain the water. We just want the seeds, not the extra liquid.
3. Now, in a glass jar or pitcher, pour in the 3.5 cups of water. Add 4 to 5 tablespoons of Rooh Afza syrup. This is where you can adjust to your liking – start with less and add more if you prefer a sweeter drink.
4. Add the soaked and drained sabja seeds to the water and Rooh Afza mixture.
5. Finally, add the ice cubes (if using). Give everything a good stir and serve immediately! Or, for an extra chilled treat, pop it in the fridge for a bit.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Achieving the Perfect Sweetness

Everyone has a different sweet tooth! Start with 4 tablespoons of Rooh Afza and taste. Add more, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired level of sweetness.

Soaking Sabja Seeds for Optimal Texture

Don’t skip the soaking step! It’s crucial for getting that perfect, slightly gelatinous texture. If you soak them for longer than 30 minutes, they’ll become too soft.

Chilling Time for Enhanced Refreshment

While you can drink this immediately, chilling it for about 15-20 minutes really elevates the experience. It’s just so much more refreshing when it’s ice cold!

Variations

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

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check the ingredients list on your Rooh Afza syrup to be sure.
• Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Ginger or Black Pepper): My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny pinch of grated ginger or black pepper for a little kick. It’s surprisingly good!
• Festival Adaptations (Ramadan/Summer Celebrations): This is a popular drink during Ramadan to help rehydrate after fasting. It’s also perfect for any summer celebration!

Rooh Afza & Sabja Seeds Concentrate for Quick Drinks

To save time, you can make a Rooh Afza and sabja seed concentrate. Simply mix a higher ratio of Rooh Afza and soaked sabja seeds with a little water. Store it in the fridge and add to chilled water as needed!

Serving Suggestions

Garnishing Ideas (Mint, Lemon Slice)

A sprig of fresh mint or a slice of lemon adds a beautiful touch and a burst of freshness.

Pairing with Snacks & Meals

This drink pairs perfectly with light snacks like namak pare or samosas. It’s also a great accompaniment to a spicy Indian meal.

Storage Instructions

How Long Does Rooh Afza with Sabja Seeds Last?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The sabja seeds will continue to absorb liquid, so the texture might change slightly.

Best Storage Practices

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What is Rooh Afza and where does it come from?

Rooh Afza is a traditional Unani herbal syrup originating from India. It’s been a beloved summer drink for over a century!

Can I use chia seeds instead of sabja seeds?

While you can use chia seeds, the texture won’t be quite the same. Chia seeds absorb more liquid and become more gelatinous. Sabja seeds have a more delicate texture.

How can I adjust the sweetness of this drink?

Start with less Rooh Afza syrup and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Is Rooh Afza with Sabja Seeds good for digestion?

Sabja seeds are known to aid digestion due to their high fiber content. Rooh Afza itself contains herbs that are traditionally believed to have cooling and digestive properties.

Can I make a larger batch of this drink ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Just remember that the sabja seeds will continue to absorb liquid, so you might need to add a little more water before serving.