Sahlab
A creamy warm Turkish and Middle Eastern drink made with orchid root and aromatic spices.
- 2 cupswhole milk
- 2 tbspsahlab powder(or cornstarch)
- 2 tbspsugar
- 1 tsprose water
- ¼ tspground cinnamon(for garnish)
- 1 tbspchopped pistachios(for garnish)
- 1Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
- 2Whisk in sahlab powder and sugar until smooth.
- 3Continue stirring until thickened to custard consistency.
- 4Remove from heat and stir in rose water.
- 5Serve warm topped with cinnamon and pistachios.
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Sahlab, also spelled Salep, is a warm, creamy Middle Eastern drink dating back to Ottoman times. Originally made from orchid root powder, this thick beverage was sold by street vendors throughout the Ottoman Empire. The drink is traditionally topped with cinnamon, coconut, and nuts. Due to the endangered status of wild orchids, modern versions often use alternative thickeners, but the comforting drink remains popular in Turkey, Egypt, and the Levant during winter months.
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