Ice Cold and Elegant - Introducing Faloudeh

Hi again Fodmappers

Well it's another glorious day here and the garden is alive with bees and butterflies and the hum of distant lawn mowers. I really need to be cutting the lawn too but I just have to share my latest discovery with you first.

Today's recipe comes from an ancient city of 'poets, gardens, wine, nightingales and flowers' where it has been enjoyed for over 2000yrs. Elegant and sophisticated, it's reminiscent of Sherbet and Turkish Delight crossed with a Slush Puppy. It's light and refreshing and the perfect summer treat.

Faloudeh (or Faloodeh) is one of the oldest cold desserts in the world - though I admit I only discovered it recently. (Thanks The Simple Things.) Originating from Shiraz in around 400BC it combines rosewater and lime or lemon juice with sugar syrup and noodles to create a dish which is as exquisite as it sounds.

What's more, it's easy to make, it's suitable for vegans and, of course, it's low FODMAP. And if you're having friends round to dinner, this is going to impress!

Faloudeh

Serves 4

Ingredients

1/2 cup of caster sugar
1/2 cup of water
1 tablespoon of rosewater
Juice of half a lemon
1 block (approx 50g) of rice vermicelli noodles

Optional - Squeeze of lime juice, slice of lemon or freshly picked mint garnish.

Method

Add the sugar and water to a pan and heat until dissolved.
Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Add the rosewater and lemon juice and stir.
Pour into a large tub with a lid and pop into the freezer.

Place rice noodles in a pan and add boiling water.
Allow to stand for slightly longer than the instructions suggest as they need to be soft.
Rinse in ice cold water until cool.
Add to the sugar syrup solution and stir.
Return tub to freezer.

After approximately 1 hr remove the tub from freezer and fluff contents with a fork to break up any ice crystals which are forming.
Return to freezer and repeat twice more at half-hourly intervals.
Allow to freeze for at least 2 hrs.

Serve ice-cold in a glass topped with a slice of lemon, a squeeze of lime juice and a sprig of mint. And maybe a little Persian poetry?

I'm already looking forward to relaxing in the garden with a glass of Faloudeh in my hand. (I have some in the freezer right now). And with that in mind, I'd better get out there and mow the lawn.

'Til next time Fodmappers - Stay fabulous.