Recipe courtesy of
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
for
Food Network Kitchen
Recipe courtesy of
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
for
Food Network Kitchen
Watch how to make this recipe.
Basil Seed Drink
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- Level: Easy
- Total: 40 min (includes soaking time)
- Active: 15 min
- Yield: 8 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 8 servings
- Calories
- 49
- Total Fat
- 0 g
- Saturated Fat
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 13 g
- Dietary Fiber
- 0 g
- Sugar
- 12 g
- Protein
- 0 g
- Cholesterol
- 0 mg
- Sodium
- 0 mg
Basil seed, known as tokhme reyhan, is a common drink ingredient in Iran. While similar in shape, color and water absorption to chia seeds, the two seeds have distinct flavor profiles that should not be confused. This recipe is a classic version of an Iranian basil seed drink made with saffron syrup and rosewater. Since basil seeds are packed with minerals and fiber, they are popular during the month of Ramadan.
- Level: Easy
- Total: 40 min (includes soaking time)
- Active: 15 min
- Yield: 8 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 8 servings
- Calories
- 49
- Total Fat
- 0 g
- Saturated Fat
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 13 g
- Dietary Fiber
- 0 g
- Sugar
- 12 g
- Protein
- 0 g
- Cholesterol
- 0 mg
- Sodium
- 0 mg
Ingredients
Directions
- Sprinkle the ground saffron over 2 ice cubes and set aside until the ice melts. This will be your bloomed saffron.
- Mix the basil seeds with 1 cup water and set it aside to double or triple in volume, just like chia seeds, about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, put the sugar and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the syrup thickens a bit, about 10 minutes. Add the bloomed saffron and rosewater and turn off the heat. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- To make the drink, add 2 to 4 tablespoons of the saffron syrup to each glass, top with 1 tablespoon basil seeds and stir to combine. Add enough ice to your liking and fill each glass with cold water. Stir to combine and serve immediately.
Cook’s Note
If saffron is not available, you can omit it and simply make the drink with rosewater and syrup. You can find edible basil seeds at Persian or Iranian markets or online retailers such as Amazon. I look for Sadaf brand.
