>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, are you curious about how to cook and prepare the tiny black pearls that give drinks like bubble tea and falooda their unique texture? In this article, we will explore the versatile and nutritious seed of the basil plant, known as “biji selasih” in Indonesian, and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to cook, store, and use it in various dishes.
What is Biji Selasih?
Biji selasih, also known as “sabja” or “tukmaria” in other parts of the world, is a small seed that comes from the sweet basil plant (Ocimum basilicum). It is commonly used in South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines, as well as in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for its cooling and soothing properties.
These tiny black pearls have a unique texture when soaked in water, becoming gelatinous and crunchy at the same time. They are also packed with fiber, protein, and minerals like calcium and iron.
Varieties of Biji Selasih
There are two main types of biji selasih: black and white. Black biji selasih is the most common variety, and it has a stronger flavor and aroma than the white one. White biji selasih is milder and more delicate, and it is often used in desserts and drinks that require a subtler taste.
Where to Buy Biji Selasih
Biji selasih can be found in many Asian grocery stores and health food stores, both in its raw and pre-soaked form. It is also available online, either in bulk or in smaller packages.
How to Prepare Biji Selasih
Soaking Biji Selasih
The first step in preparing biji selasih is to soak it in water until it expands and turns into a gel-like texture. Here’s how to do it:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup of biji selasih | Rinse the biji selasih in a fine-mesh strainer and transfer it to a glass or a bowl. |
| 1 cup of water | Add the water to the bowl and stir it gently. |
| Let the biji selasih soak for at least 30 minutes, or until it expands and turns into a gel-like texture. |
Some people prefer to soak biji selasih overnight, especially if they want to use it in the morning for breakfast dishes like chia seed pudding or smoothie bowls. If you do this, make sure to refrigerate the soaked biji selasih to prevent spoiling.
Cooking Biji Selasih
Biji selasih can also be cooked in various ways, either as a main ingredient or as a textural enhancer. Here are some cooking methods you can try:
Boiling Biji Selasih
You can boil biji selasih in water until it softens and becomes translucent, then drain it and rinse it with cold water before using it in dishes like soups or stir-fries. Here’s how to do it:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup of biji selasih | Rinse the biji selasih in a fine-mesh strainer and transfer it to a pot. |
| 3 cups of water | Add the water to the pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. |
| Reduce the heat to low and let the biji selasih simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it softens and turns translucent. | |
| Drain the biji selasih in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. |
Frying Biji Selasih
You can also fry biji selasih in oil until it puffs up and turns crispy, then use it as a topping for salads or desserts. Here’s how to do it:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup of biji selasih | Rinse the biji selasih in a fine-mesh strainer and pat it dry with a paper towel. |
| 1/4 cup of oil | Heat the oil in a deep-frying pan or a wok over medium-high heat. |
| Add the biji selasih to the hot oil, and stir it gently with a slotted spoon to prevent it from sticking together. | |
| Fry the biji selasih for about 1-2 minutes, or until it puffs up and turns golden brown. | |
| Remove the biji selasih from the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper-towel lined plate to drain the excess oil. |
How to Use Biji Selasih
Biji selasih can be used in a variety of dishes and beverages, from savory to sweet. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your cooking:
In Drinks
Biji selasih is often used in drinks like bubble tea, falooda, and lemonade, adding a refreshing and crunchy texture to the beverage. Here’s how to add it to your favorite drinks:
Bubble Tea
Mix cooked biji selasih with your favorite tea, milk, and sweetener, and serve it with a wide straw to scoop up the pearls. Here’s a recipe:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup of cooked biji selasih | Prepare the cooked biji selasih as per the boiling method above, then rinse it with cold water and drain it. |
| 1 cup of brewed tea | Brew your favorite tea as per the instructions, and let it cool down in the fridge. |
| 1/4 cup of milk | Add the milk to the tea, along with your preferred sweetener (like honey or sugar). |
| Stir the mixture well, then add the cooked biji selasih to the glass. |
Falooda
Mix cooked biji selasih with rose syrup, milk, vermicelli noodles, and ice cream, and serve it as a dessert or a cooling drink. Here’s a recipe:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup of cooked biji selasih | Prepare the cooked biji selasih as per the boiling method above, then rinse it with cold water and drain it. |
| 1/4 cup of rose syrup | Add the rose syrup to a tall glass. |
| 1/4 cup of cooked vermicelli noodles | Add the cooked vermicelli noodles to the glass, on top of the rose syrup. |
| 1/4 cup of milk | Add the milk to the glass, along with a scoop of ice cream (like vanilla or pistachio). |
| Stir the mixture well, then add the cooked biji selasih on top of the ice cream. |
In Salads and Soups
Biji selasih can also be added to salads and soups for extra crunch and nutrition. Here are some ways to do it:
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Mix sliced cucumbers and tomatoes with lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and fresh mint, and sprinkle cooked biji selasih on top. Here’s a recipe:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 2 cups of sliced cucumbers | Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. |
| 1 cup of sliced tomatoes | Wash and slice the tomatoes into thin rounds. |
| 2 tablespoons of lemon juice | Squeeze the lemon juice into a small bowl. |
| 1/2 teaspoon of salt | Add the salt and black pepper to the lemon juice, and whisk well. |
| 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper | Mix the sliced cucumbers and tomatoes in a large bowl, and add the lemon dressing. |
| 1/4 cup of cooked biji selasih | Sprinkle the cooked biji selasih on top of the salad, along with fresh mint leaves. |
Tomato and Coconut Soup
Saute garlic, onion, and tomato in coconut oil, then add chicken broth, coconut milk, and cooked biji selasih, and simmer until the flavors meld together. Here’s a recipe:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 2 cloves of garlic, minced | Peel and mince the garlic cloves. |
| 1 onion, chopped | Peel and chop the onion. |
| 2 tomatoes, chopped | Wash and chop the tomatoes. |
| 2 tablespoons of coconut oil | Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. |
| Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and chopped tomatoes to the pot, and saute until the onion is translucent. | |
| 3 cups of chicken broth | Add the chicken broth to the pot, and bring it to a boil. |
| 1 cup of coconut milk | Add the coconut milk to the pot, and stir well. |
| 1/4 cup of cooked biji selasih | Add the cooked biji selasih to the pot, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors meld together. |
In Desserts
Biji selasih can also be used in desserts, adding a fun and textural element to cakes, puddings, and ice creams. Here are some recipes to try:
Coconut and Biji Selasih Pudding
Combine cooked biji selasih with coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch, and cook over low heat until it thickens and becomes pudding-like. Here’s a recipe:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup of cooked biji selasih | Prepare the cooked biji selasih as per the boiling method above, then rinse it with cold water and drain it. |
| 2 cups of coconut milk | Pour the coconut milk into a pot over medium heat. |
| 1/2 cup of sugar | Add the sugar to the pot, and stir until it dissolves. |
| 1/4 cup of cornstarch | In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until it dissolves. |
| Add the cornstarch mixture to the pot, and stir well. | |
| Add the cooked biji selasih to the pot, and stir gently. | |
| Continue cooking the pudding over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes pudding-like (about 10-15 minutes). | |
| Pour the pudding into small bowls or glasses, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. |
Strawberry and Biji Selasih Ice Cream
Mix chopped strawberries with condensed milk, whipped cream, and cooked biji selasih, and freeze until firm. Here’s a recipe:
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 2 cups of chopped strawberries | Wash and chop the strawberries into small pieces. |
| 1 can of condensed milk | Pour the condensed milk into a large mixing bowl. |
| 2 cups of whipped cream | Add the whipped cream to the bowl, and whisk the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. |
| 1/4 cup of cooked biji selasih | Add the cooked biji selasih to the bowl, and stir gently. |
| Add the chopped strawberries to the bowl, and stir gently. | |
| Pour the mixture into an ice cream container, and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm. |
FAQ
Q: Is biji selasih the same as chia seeds?
A: No, biji selasih and chia seeds are two different kinds of seeds, although they look similar and have some similar nutritional properties. Chia seeds come from the plant Salvia hispanica, which is native to Mexico and Central America, while biji selasih comes from the sweet basil plant. Chia