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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Sahlab (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding)

    Modified: Feb 22, 2023 · Published: May 19, 2022 by Radwa ·

    Jump to Recipe

    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 in 2 cups topped with chopped almond, pistachio and coconut.

    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.

    A spoonful of thick Sahlab.

    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?

    Steps of making Sahlab recipe.

    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.
    Middle Eastern sweet milk pudding (Sahlab) in a cup topped with nuts.

    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.

    Mediterranean milk pudding in a cup topped with nuts.

    Recipe FAQs

    What does Sahlab taste like?

    This amazing drink has a slight floury taste when drinking it plain. Adding toppings such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or rosewater makes it more flavourful.

    Where to buy Sahlab powder?

    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.

    More Middle Eastern Recipes

    • Egyptian Basbousa Recipe (Semolina Cake)
    • Om Ali – Egyptian Bread Pudding Recipe
    • Zalabya - Loukoumades Recipe
    • Baba Ganoush.
      Baba Ganoush Recipe (Lebanese)
    • Grilled Chicken Kofta
      Chicken Kofta Recipe
    • Lemon chicken orzo soup.
      Easy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe
    • A plate full of Qatayef topped with crushed pistachio.
      Qatayef (Atayef)

    Thanks for dropping in! Follow me on Pinterest and Instagram to keep up-to-date with all new recipes.

    Sahlab in a glass topped with nuts.
    Print Pin
    5 from 7 votes

    Sahlab (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding)

    A super creamy Middle Eastern drink has a thin pudding like consistency and topped with nuts. Best served in cold weather and ready in just 5 minutes!
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Middle Eastern
    Prep Time 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 3 minutes minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes minutes
    Servings 2 servings
    Calories 212kcal
    Author Radwa

    Equipment

    • Saucepan
    • Mug

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups milk
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 2.5 tablespoon sahlab powder

    Toppings

    • 1 teaspoon coconut
    • 1 teaspoon pistachio, chopped
    • 1 teaspoon almond

    Instructions

    • In a saucepan, mix powdered Sahlab with milk and sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. Turn off the heat and let the Sahlab cool slightly.
    • Pour into cups and top with nuts. Serve.

    Notes

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

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 324mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 395IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 276mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @HealthyLifeTrainer or tag #healthylifetrainer!

    About Radwa

    Hi, I am Radwa! I've always been fond of food—seriously, it's my love language. I share my tried-and-true recipes and provide easy, step-by-step recipes that anyone can follow.

    Comments

    1. Routh says

      May 19, 2021 at 11:25 am

      5 stars
      My favourite winter drink; I love it so much. The recipe was so good. Thanks!

      Reply
    2. Lucy says

      April 01, 2021 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      Sahlab is an amazing drink, especially in winter! I love it topped with some ground cinnamon.

      Reply
    3. Quinn says

      March 29, 2021 at 2:14 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    5 from 7 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    Healthy Life Trainer

    Hello! I’m Radwa, A wife and mother. Also, I am the recipe maker and food photographer behind Healthy Life Trainer. I love making new, simple and quick recipes every day.

    More about me→

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