Sahlab is a rich and creamy hot drink made with milk, sugar and Sahlab powder and topped with some nuts (usually pistachio) and cinnamon.
This traditional Mediterranean hot drink is very popular in countries like Egypt, Turkey and Greece. This warm and comforting drink is often served in winter or cooler weather.
Spices added to this drink vary based on your taste preference; you can add cinnamon, ginger, ground nutmeg or cloves. Chopped nuts are the traditional topping, especially pistachio; however, you don’t have to use nuts. Try it with some toasted sesame seeds, chia seeds or poppy seeds. If you want to keep it simple, just top it with cinnamon and shredded coconut.
When buying Sahlab, I recommend reading the label very carefully as there are a lot of products called Sahlab, and when you read the label, you find the main ingredient is sugar-flavoured cornstarch, not Sahlab.
What is Sahlab?
It is a flour made from the orchid genus ‘Orchis’ tubers. This thick milk drink has an earthy taste and a creamy texture. It is not easy to buy It outside the Mediterranean area. I brought mine with me from Egypt. However, it is easy to make Sahlab powder from scratch and enjoy the same delicious taste.
What is the origin of Sahlab?
This drink was used for medical purposes in the 17th century in the lands of the Ottoman Empire. It was known as ‘Saloop’ in England in the 18th century.
How to make Sahlab powder?
Mix the following:
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla Powder
½ cup powdered milk
3 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)
½ cup rice flour
⅛ cup cornstarch
Mix all the ingredients well, then store in a clean, dry jar.
What are the ingredients for a Sahlab drink?
- Sahlab powder - Store-bought or homemade.
- Milk - I recommend using whole milk.
- Sugar - You can use honey if you want.
- Toppings - I used shredded coconut, almond, and pistachio. However, feel free to use any nuts or seeds you like.
How do you make a Sahlab drink?
In a saucepan, mix powdered Sahlab with milk and sugar (to taste) over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.
Pour into cups and add your topping of choice. Serve.
Top Tips:
- This drink needs sugar; unlike tea, it won’t taste good without it. If you are concerned about adding sugar, you can replace sugar with any sweetener such as Swerve.
- Topping suggestions will be raisins, coconut, pistachio, almond or walnut.
- Once you start making this drink, don’t leave it on the heat without stirring. The milk can burn quickly, ruining this taste.
- For more flavour, add rose water, a pinch of cinnamon or orange blossom.
- Taste it while on the stove; add more sugar if required.
- You can use coconut shredder or flakes, sweetened or unsweetened, according to your taste.
- The amount of Sahlab powder determines the consistency of the drink.
- This recipe makes a drink of medium thickness. If you would like it thicker, add ½ tablespoon more of the powdered Sahlab.
Recipe FAQs
This amazing drink has a slight floury taste when drinking it plain. Adding toppings such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or rosewater makes it more flavourful.
People drink it Pure to help with health problems such as heartburn, indigestion, diarrhoea, and intestinal gas.
You can make it vegan by using non-dairy milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, soy milk or oat milk. It is still delicious.
As mentioned before, it is hard to find outside the Mediterranean. The best way to buy it is by ordering online from Amazon or herbal stores. Before you buy it, make sure it is 100% Pure.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve it with cookies or biscuits and sometimes with cake. You can find some suggestions below:
- Welsh cookies - welsh cakes
- Cinnamon pie
- No-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies
- S'mores cookie pie
- Orange polenta cake
- Sweet couscous - easy dessert recipe
- Lazy cake - no-bake chocolate biscuit cake
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 1-2 days. To reheat it, pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Tools used in making this recipe
- Saucepan: Used in making this amazing hot drink.
- Sharp knife: Used in cutting the nuts.
More Mediterranean Recipes
Sahlab (Mediterranean Milk Pudding)
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2.5 tablespoon sahlab powder
Toppings
- 1 teaspoon coconut
- 1 teaspoon pistachio, chopped
Instructions
- In a saucepan, mix powdered Sahlab with milk and sugar (to taste) over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. Turn off the heat and let the Sahlab cool slightly.
- Pour into cups and add your topping of choice. Serve.
Notes
- Sahlab needs sugar; unlike tea, it won’t taste good without it. If you are concerned about adding sugar, you can replace sugar with any sweetener such as Swerve.
- Topping suggestions will be raisins, coconut, pistachio, almond or walnut.
- Once you start making Sahlab, don’t leave it on the heat without stirring. The milk can burn quickly, ruining this taste.
- For more flavour, add rose water or a pinch of cinnamon.
- Taste it while on the stove; add more sugar if required.
- You can use coconut shredder or flakes, sweetened or unsweetened, according to your taste.
- The amount of Sahlab powder determines the consistency of the drink.
- This recipe makes a drink of medium thickness. If you would like it thicker, add ½ tablespoon more of the powdered Sahlab.
Nutrition
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Quinn
I love Sahlab, and I drink it all the time. This recipe is good; before, I was making it a bit runny. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Lucy
Sahlab is an amazing drink, especially in winter! I love it topped with some ground cinnamon.
Routh
My favourite winter drink; I love it so much. The recipe was so good. Thanks!