Sahleb/Salep drink

When we say winter, then its the time for Sahleb :) A comfort warm drink that is famous in middle-eastern area, specially the Levant region.

Sahleb was introduced to the Middle east by the Ottomans who ruled the region for centuries, so popular in Istanbul . Sahleb powder is extracted from a flower called Orchis, and contains a nutritious starchy polysaccharide substance which gives the drink its characteristic creaminess and fluffiness.

Beside the fact that Sahleb powder is widely used in desserts and beverages, its also believed to own some healthy benefits. The actual sahlab powder is not easy to find,

but one can easily find at middle-eastern stores a sahlab mix in a box. The sahlab mix is usually made of cornstarch instead of the real sahlab, as it is cheaper to produce, real plain sahleb powder is expensive,,, but after trying a real Sahleb drink I can say : yess it worth it :)

Sahleb is very easy to make,, all you need is milk,sahleb powder, and suger and voila! you have it! :) it is warming, sweet and delicious.

Will leave you now with the full recipe,Enjoy :)

الوصفة باللغة العربية اضغط هنا

Sahleb/Saleb drink

Ingredients :

4 cups milk

2 tsp pure Sahleb powder

4 Tablespoons Sugar or according to taste

1 cinnamon stick

½ tsp mastic (Arabic gum), ground with some sugar(optional)

ground pistachios and cinnamon powder to garnish.

Directions :

- In a sauce pan over medium heat, add 3 cups of milk, sugar,cinnamon stick and mix well then leave to shimmer.

- Dissolve sahleb powder in the left cup of milk, stir well to prevent lumps.

- Pour Sahleb mix into shimmering milk and whisk vigorously, continue to cook until it thickened a bit, add mastic and stir once. turn of the heat.

-Serve hot in cups and garnish with pistachios and cinnamon powder.

Bon Appétit :)