SIRAP SELASIH (ROSE SYRUP WITH BASIL SEEDS)

Basil seeds

The basil seeds look like frog spawn after being soaked in water for some time

My students filling their cup with the Basil Rose Syrup

Rose syrup with basil seeds

Besides the Telur Pindang that was promoted to the students, Sirap Selasih or Rosewater Flavoured Syrup with Basil Seeds was also served to those who attended the cooking demonstration.  This is a traditional Malay drink which is said to be cooling.

I am sharing the recipe below.  It is actually very, very simple to make.

Sirap Selasih (Rosewater  Syrup with Basil Seeds)


Ingredients for syrup:

½ cup sugar

½ cup hot water

A drop or two of rosewater

Method

Dissolve sugar in the water, leave to cool. Stir in a  a drop or two of rosewater to flavour.  One can add in the expanded basil seeds immediately.  Alternatively, add a spoonful of the basil before serving. You can store the leftover basil  in the refrigerator.


To serve

1 teaspoon basil seeds (available from grocery stores) soaked in water until expanded – takes about 10 - 15 minutes. Rinse the expanded seeds in a sieve under running water.
Add ice.