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–+ servings
Refreshing Lemon Basil Seed Drink served in a glass with basil leaves

Lemon Basil Seed Drink

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A bright and refreshing drink combining citrusy brightness with a delicate, jelly-like texture from hydrated basil seeds, perfect for hot afternoons or as a light palate cleanser.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 glass
Course: Beverage, Drink
Cuisine: Refreshing, Summer
Calories: 55
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon basil seeds (tukmaria/sabja) Swells into soft, gel-like beads when soaked.
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Use freshly squeezed lemon for best flavor.
  • 1 to 1.5 cups water (chilled or sparkling) Adjust for preferred dilution and level of fizz.
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons natural sweetener (honey, stevia, or maple syrup) Honey/maple add body, while stevia keeps it low-cal.
  • optional fresh mint or lemon zest Lifts the aroma and adds a fresh touch.
  • optional ice cubes Use for an extra-chilled serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak the basil seeds in 1 cup of room temperature water for 10 to 15 minutes until they swell into gel beads. Stir after a couple of minutes to prevent clumping.
  2. While the seeds soak, squeeze 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into a pitcher and add your chosen sweetener. Stir until dissolved, warming it slightly if using honey for quicker dissolving.
  3. Once the basil seeds are hydrated, mix them into the lemon juice mixture, stirring gently to distribute the seeds evenly.
  4. Add 1 to 1.5 cups of chilled water along with any optional mint or lemon zest, and adjust sweetness to taste. For a fizzy version, use sparkling water.
  5. Serve immediately over ice or chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 55kcalCarbohydrates: 15gSugar: 12g

Notes

Store the prepared drink in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before serving if seeds settle. Do not freeze the drink as it changes the texture of the gel beads.

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