Turkish Sahlab Recipe
The ancient Romans are believed to have added ground orchid bulbs to certain beverages, which they referred to by various names, including satyrion and priapiscus. As the names suggest, these drinks were thought to have strong aphrodisiac properties.Sahlab became a popular drink during the Ottoman Empire, where it was even considered a "fattening" beverage for young women, supposedly helping them appear plumper before marriage. Its popularity later spread to countries such as England and Germany, though it declined with the rise of coffee and tea. During this transition, sahlab was often served as a coffee substitute in coffee houses. In England, the drink was known as saloop.Today, sahlab remains a cherished delicacy in Middle Eastern coffee shops, especially in the Levant.
Ingredients
- Sahlab powder – 1 tbsp
- Sugar – 1 and ½ tbsp
- Milk – 1L
- Cinnamon (for garnish)
Instructions
- Take a large saucepan or thick-bottomed pot and add milk, sugar and sahlab powder to it. If available, prefer using full-fat milk for the best result. If you want a plant-based alternative, you can use almond milk or coconut milk instead.
- Combine all the ingredients by whisking them well.
- Heat it over a medium-low flame. Make sure to stir continuously.
- Bring the heat down as soon as the milk begins to boil. Keep whisking while the mixture is simmering until it thickens. Remember to not rush, or the mixture will stick to the bottom of the pan. If you try to speed up the process, it might create lumps, and you won't be able to achieve the creamy consistency.
- This might take you about 15 to 20 minutes or longer. If desired, one can also add additional flavors such as orange blossom water, rosewater or vanilla right before removing the drink from the heat.
- Give the drink a taste test and adjust the sweetness according to your preference. It’s completely okay to add extra sugar if you want it sweeter.
- Once done, take the pan off the heat and serve the prepared beverage in cups or mugs.
- Add a little bit of ground cinnamon on top of each cup and offer.
- Alternatively, you can also add some pistachios or other nuts on top as a garnish.
- You can transfer the leftovers to a bottle or jar. Keep in mind to store it in the refrigerator, and it’ll be fit for consumption for about 2-3 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 9gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 123mgSugar: 15g
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