Falooda

This is a very popular milk based dessert containing layers of different yummy flavours.

The East African version is much lighter but the one that originates from the Indian sub-continent is by far the more authentic one and is very rich and creamy.

This is our family recipe and originates from Kenya.

Ingredients

Stage 1

• thin vermicelli – cook to packet instructions and cool.
• Or
• To make the noodles
• 1 cup cornflour
• 2.5 cups cold water

Stage 2

• 2 tbs takbloonka/takmaria – basil seeds
• 10oz can of evaporated milk
• 2 pints full fat milk
• 4tbs Singapore Red Rose syrup or other flavouring of choice
• 1 cup crushed ice (optional)
• 8 oz white soft scoop vanilla ice-cream or kulfi

Method

Stage 1

1. Keep a deep bowl in the sink, add 4 pints of cold water and 1 cup of ice cubes
2. Into a pan add 1 cup corn flour and 2½ cups water, mix well until cornflour has dissolved.
3. Place on a heat, and keep stirring until the mixture turns from white to colourless (like petroleum jelly).
4. Whilst hot, put the mixture through a special noodle making machine (available in Indian stores) or use a hole punch to make small holes in a plastic bag.
5. Press out the noodles straight into the bowl with the cold water, keep soaked for 2 mins, then strain, discard the water and store in the fridge.
6. Add the takbloonka/takmaria to a cup of cold water and keep aside for 30mins so they soak up the water and swell up.

Stage 2

1. Add half a cup of the milk mixture in a tall serving glass.
2. Add some pre-soaked basil seeds.
3. Add 3 tbs of the noodles.
4. Add 2 tbs crushed ice and then top with 2 scoops ice-cream or kulfi.
5. Serve immediately, lovely and cooling during the Summer.