Ingredients

  • 2 cupswhole milk
  • 2 tbspsahlab powder(or cornstarch)
  • 2 tbspsugar
  • 1 tsprose water
  • ¼ tspground cinnamon(for garnish)
  • 1 tbspchopped pistachios(for garnish)

🔧 Tools

mixing glassbar spoonstrainer

Instructions

  1. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
  2. Whisk in sahlab powder and sugar until smooth.
  3. Continue stirring until thickened to custard consistency.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in rose water.
  5. Serve warm topped with cinnamon and pistachios.

📜 History

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 Originally made from orchid root powder, this thick beverage was sold by street vendors throughout the Ottoman Empire.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.

#mocktail#middle-eastern#turkish#hot#winter-warmer