Sahlab (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding)

Sahlab (سحلب) is a creamy Middle Eastern drink made with milk, sugar and Sahlab powder and topped with coconut and chopped nuts. This drink is stable in my house, especially during winter. I am so excited to share with you how to prepare this rich drink from scratch.

Sahlab Recipe

This comforting Middle Eastern drink has a thin pudding like consistency, and it is usually served hot. Ready in just 5 minutes!

My mother used to flavor it with a few drops of rose water. I actually like to just top it with a mixture of nuts and sometimes sprinkle it with ground cinnamon.

Ingredients For Sahlab Drink

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

• Sahlab powder - I brought mine with me from Egypt. However, it is easy to make homemade Sahlab powder from scratch and enjoy the same delicious taste (keep reading to know how to make Sahlab powder).
• Milk - I recommend using whole milk. To make this recipe vegan or dairy-free, use non-dairy milk, such as almond or coconut milk.
• Sugar - Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar to make it sugar-free.
• Toppings - I used shredded coconut, almond, and pistachio. However, feel free to use any nuts or seeds you like.

Note: If you want to keep it simple or nut-free, I recommend topping it with cinnamon and shredded coconut. 

How Do You Make Sahlab Drink?

One: 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.

Tip: Once you start making this drink, don’t leave it on the heat without stirring. The milk can burn quickly, ruining this taste.

Two: 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.
• For more flavour, add rose water, a pinch of cinnamon or orange blossom.
• 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.

How To Make Homemade Sahlab Powder?

I always make sure that I have Sahlab powder in my pantry for winter. When I am out of it, I usually make some by mixing the below ingredients.

• 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.

Topping Option

• Nuts: Well, I like to use coconut, chopped pistachio and almond.
• Spices: ground cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg.
• Chocolate: mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
• Dried fruits: raisins or sultans.
• Seeds: Try it with some toasted sesame seeds, chia seeds or poppy seeds.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve it with cookies or biscuits and sometimes with cake. Here are some suggestions:

• Welsh cookies - welsh cakes
• Cinnamon pie
• Orange polenta cake
• Sweet couscous - easy dessert recipe
• Lazy cake - no-bake chocolate biscuit cake

Storage

I store leftovers in the fridge tightly covered for 1-2 days. When I want to reheat some, I pop it in the microwave or stovetop.

Recipe FAQs

More Middle Eastern Recipes

• Egyptian Basbousa Recipe (Semolina Cake)
• Om Ali – Egyptian Bread Pudding Recipe
• Zalabya - Loukoumades Recipe

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Recipe Card