Sabja Nimbu Pani {Lemonade With Sweet Basil Seeds}
Author: 
Recipe type: Beverages
Cuisine: Indian
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6-8
 
Fresh lemonade is the absolute best thing to sip on a warm day, don't you think? So when life hands you lemons, make this refreshing nimbu pani or Indian lemonade with fresh mint and sweet basil seeds.
You will need:
For simple syrup,
  • Sugar - 1½ cups
  • Water - 1½ cups
  • Fresh mint leaves - 5-6, optional
For lemonade,
  • Lemon juice - ⅔ - ¾ cup (see Notes)
  • Water - 6 cups, cold
  • Basil seeds (sabja or tukmaria) - 2 tsp
  • Ice - for serving
How to:
  1. Simple syrup: Prepare simple syrup by boiling sugar in water till dissolved. Add mint leaves to the syrup for a minty flavor. Strain, cool and use as needed.
  2. Sabja seeds: Soak sabja seeds in ½ cup of water at least 10 minutes before serving. Sabja seeds will swell and soak up some water. You can drain the excess water, if any.
  3. Lemonade: Mix together lemon juice, cold water and simple syrup in a large pitcher.
  4. Serve chilled in a glass with a spoonful of plumped-up sabja seeds mixed in.
Notes:
1. The amount of lemon juice and sweetener needed is a matter of personal preference. If you like slightly tart lemonade, use more lemon juice. Also, be sure to use more lemon juice if you like to serve lemonade over lots of ice, so that the drink is not watered down.
2. Sweet basil seeds are available in Indian or Asian grocery stores and may be marked as sabja or tukmaria.
Recipe by At The Corner of Happy And Harried at https://www.happyandharried.com/2017/08/03/nimbu-pani-lemonade/