Nam Med Maenglak (Basil Seed Coconut Cooler)
Sweet basil seeds swell into chewy little pearls in a lightly sweet drink, here with a splash of coconut milk and pandan.
Ingredients
- 4 tsp Sweet basil seeds (sabja / tukmaria)
- 500 ml Water
- 70 g sugar (to taste)
- 1 pandan leaf, knotted (optional)
- 120 ml Coconut milk (optional)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 480 ml Ice
Method
- Soak the basil seeds in 120 ml of the water for 10 min, until each seed is surrounded by a soft, clear jelly.
- Warm the rest of the water with the sugar, pandan and salt for 2–3 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cool.
- Stir in the coconut milk if using, then the swollen basil seeds.
- Pour over ice and serve with a spoon or a wide straw.
Tips
- Always soak the seeds before drinking: dry seeds swell a lot and should not be swallowed dry.
- Swap the coconut milk for honey, lime or a splash of sala syrup.
Sources
Written in our own words after cross-checking these recipes:
Open Nam Med Maenglak (Basil Seed Coconut Cooler) in Nouns Cooking