How to Make Salep (Sahlab) Recipe

What is Salep (Sahlab)?

Salep (Sahlab) is a hot beverage made with milk and cinnamon, thickened with salep powder derived from orchid  tubers (Orchis). This hot drink is very popular in Turkey and the Middle East. It has a distinct flavour, which is why it is so popular. It also has a velvety and smooth texture. Salep or Shalab recipe is quite simple to put together, using only a few ingredients. Here is a recipe for Salep or Shalab that’s enough for 4 people.

Ingredients:

• 1 Liter milk- 4 cups
• 4-5 tablespoons sugar (more or less)
• 2 teaspoons Sahlab powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Mastic (Optional)
• 1 tablespoon Orange blossom water

For Garnish:

• Cinnamon powder
• Walnuts
• Pistachio

Preparation Method:

1. In a small bowel, mix half a cup of milk with the sahlab powder and leave aside.
2. In a saucepan, put the rest of the milk with sugar over medium heat.
3. Until it boils, grind mastic with half a teaspoon of sugar then add  milk and mix.
4. Add the sahlab mixture to the saucepan and keep mixing very well on low heat for 5 minutes.
5. Pour Sahlab mixture into cups and garnish with cinnamon and walnuts or pistachio (or all).
6. Serve it hot.