Basil seed drink, also known as sabja seed drink, is a quick and easy drink to make in just a few minutes. This refreshing beverage only requires three ingredients and is perfect for quenching your thirst during the summer.
This basil seed drink are healthy, refreshing and packed with nutrients. It is widely used in Indian and other Asian countries. These basil seeds are also known as sabja or tukmaria seeds in Hindi.
As these seeds are super coolant and enriched with nutrients I try to incorporate in drinks, sherbets, smoothies, falooda and pudding.
This recipe is inspired by my Simple sugar syrup recipe on this site. This syrup can be mixed into any beverage including juices, smoothies, cocktails, mocktails, and hot beverages.
What are basil (sabja) seeds?
Basil seeds are the seeds of certain herb plants. These seeds are typically small and black in colour, and have a mild, nutty flavour before soaking in water. Once soaked in water for 15 minutes, they develop a gel-like texture and resemble a tadpole egg.
Sabja or basil seeds are known for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine.
Difference between basil(sabja) seeds and Chia seeds?
Basil seeds are black, while chia seeds have a combination of black, white, and grey. Basil seeds are elliptical, and chia seeds are oval.
You can eat chia seeds raw or soaked, but you can consume basil after soaking. The soaking time for basil is only 15 minutes, whereas chia seeds need overnight soaking.
Benefits and uses of Basil (Sabja) seeds.
In India, during the hot summer months, it’s important to stay hydrated to avoid dehydration and heat boils. I have found that incorporating basil or sabja seeds into my diet has been helpful.
- The benefits of basil seeds drink I vouch for are that it is a Natural body coolant, relieve constipation, and regulate bowel movement. It reduces acidity and truly helps in weight loss.
Basil (sabja) seeds drinks have plenty of nutrition as it is. Anything moderate is good for health. Do read its benefits and uses here. Benefits and uses of Basil (Sabja) seeds.
Ingredients for basil seed drink (sabja seed drink)
- basil (sabja) seeds
- lime or lemon
- Simple sugar syrup
- water
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions to soak basil seeds.
These are basil (sabja) seeds needed for this basil drink.
To begin, soak basil (sabja) seeds in ½ cup of water for 15 minutes.
After 5 minutes, these tiny basil seeds will start to bloom, and you’ll see a jelly-like coating forming around them.
You can see sabja seeds bloomed further after 10 minutes.
After 15 minutes, fully bloomed glutenous basil seeds are ready to add to any cold beverage and pudings.
How to make basil (sabja) seed drink?
To make a basil seed drink, start by adding lemon or lime juice to a pitcher.
To it add required quantity of water for the basil (sabja) seed juice.
Add Simple sugar syrup to the lemon juice according to your taste.
Finally, add bloomed sabja seeds to the drink.
Mix sweet basil juice well with a spoon before consuming. Store in the fridge if serving later.
Hint: You can pre-soak basil (sabja) seeds and store them in the fridge for instant use. So you can save time and enjoy your drink.
Substitutions
- Lemon juice – instead of lemon or lime juice, you can add any fruit juice.
- Water– you can swap water with tender coconut water.
- Basil seed – chia seeds is the best substitute for basil seed.
- Sugar syrup – honey, corn syrup, stevia, maple syrup are the best substitutes.
Variations
Some variations I tried and loved by my family.
- Twist the taste – Adding salt and a little pepper powder to the basil seed juice provides a unique taste, making it a great option for those who don’t like sugary drinks.
- Flavours – to make fresh juices more flavourful, I like to add grated ginger and crushed mint. For smoothies, a dash of vanilla extract and cinnamon goes well.
- Vegans – Vegans can use almond or cashew milk for smoothies. Basil seeds are a great addition too. Chopped nuts also pairs well.
- Fruits – You can add soaked basil seeds to fruit juices such as strawberry, blueberry, watermelon, and raspberry juices. And with fruit smoothies, buttermilk, coconut milk, mojitos, and mocktails.
- Dessert – It goes well puddings and custard. Try to incorporate this healthy seeds to your palates taste. Sky is the limit.
Storage
You can make this drink ahead of any gathering or kids’ party. Store it in a pitcher covered with cling film or any air-tight jar. Also, store soaked basil (sabja) seeds in a separate container. Mix sabja seeds when serving the drink.
FAQ
Yes, it is super coolant during summer. Drinking sabja seed drink is a beneficial and refreshing option. It can be mixed with any fruit to enhance its taste.
Basil seeds have a cooling effect, reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Yes, you can soak overnight or soak them 20 minutes before making drink.
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know your feedback in the comments below. I love hearing from you! Happy Cooking!
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with sweet basil drink.
Recipe Card 📖
Basil Seed Dink (Sabja Seeds Drink)
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon sweet basil (sabja) seeds
- 4 tablespoon lemon or lime juice ( 1½ juicy lemon)
- Simple sugar syrup or any sweetener ( as per your taste)
- 5½ cups water
Instructions
- These are basil (sabja) seeds needed for this basil drink.
- To begin, soak basil (sabja) seeds in ½ cup of water for 10-15 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, these tiny basil seeds will start to bloom, and you’ll see a jelly-like coating forming around them.
- You can see sabja seeds bloomed further after 10 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, fully bloomed glutenous basil seeds are ready to add to any cold beverage.
How to make basil (sabja) seed drink?
- To make a basil seed drink, start by adding lemon or lime juice to a pitcher.
- To it add required quantity of water for the basil (sabja) seed juice.
- Add Simple sugar syrup to the lemon juice according to your taste.
- Finally, add bloomed sabja seeds to the drink.
- Mix sweet basil juice well with a spoon before consuming. Store in the fridge if serving later.
Notes
Nutrition
Kish
Perfect for the summer months!
JAYANTHY
Yes, it is!
Asokan
Refreshing drink! Summer coolant.
JAYANTHY
Yes! do try and let me know your feedback!
JAYANTHY
I love this drink!
JAYANTHY
Thanks for trying the recipe!