In winter, especially on chilly days, you won't find a better friend than a mug of sahlab.
Simply, you will feel like someone is hugging you warmly, filling you with love.
So, it is time to know What is sahlab and How to prepare a milky mug of comfort.
What is sahlab?
It is a Middle Eastern hot drink that is drunk mainly in winter, it is characterised by a silky texture and a creamy luxurious taste, it is like milk pudding that children and grown-ups love.
Originally, it is extracted from wild orchid species belonging to the Orchidaceae family.
Their root tubers are dried and then ground to give a powder called Salep.
Its country of origin is Turkey and it is considered its largest producer in the world.
Salep was spread around the Middle East by the Ottoman empire and became known as the most popular winter drink in this region, especially in Egypt and the Levant and known there as Sahlab, it is also popular in Greece.
It was used firstly for pharmaceutical purposes to soften the chest and as a food additive in ice cream production for its role in giving it a smooth and homogenous texture.
It needs 1000-4000 dried tubers to make 1 kilogram of sahlab which leads to destroying 120 million orchid plants every year in Turkey.
For this reason, the Turkish government banned true Salep exportation and countries compensated it with powder mixtures with similar flavours.
You can find this powder available in markets, or you can be simply prepared at home.
Sahlab is considered a creamy dessert itself, you can also try the fascinating Egyptian milky Omali recipe.
What is sahlab powder mixture?
While the traditional recipe depends on the Orchid tubers flour, countries recently compensated it with powder mixtures which simply contains:
Powdered milk
Starch
Granulated or powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
And now, let's prepare this sweet treat!
What is sahlab preparation method in Egypt?
To have a comfortable sahlab mug you have one of two methods, either using the previously mentioned powder or fresh milk method, let’s have a look.
The Mixed powder method
You will need:
1 litre of cold water (4 cups)
4 spoons of the powder mixture
Preparation:
Add the mixture to the cold water
Mix well using a whisk until totally dissolved
Put on medium heat with continuous stirring until boiling and obtaining a thick texture
Settle for 5 minutes then pour in mugs add you favourite additives and enjoy the fascinating exceptional taste
The Fresh milk method
You will need:
1 litre of cold milk (4 cups)
4 tablespoons of cornstarch
4 teaspoons of sugar or honey
1 teaspoon liquid or powdered vanilla extract
Preparation:
Similarly as the powder method, combine all ingredients then cook over medium heat till thickening and then enjoy.
Feel free to add some flavour to give your mug of sahlab a distinct signature such as rose water,shredded coconut,nuts, dried fruits, full cream, raisins and spices like cinnamon.
You can adjust its consistency and degree of thickness you prefer, for example, some like it soft and others find the thicker is better.
What is sahlab from the diet point of view?
The good news is that you can enjoy this heart pleasant drink even if you are on a diet or prefer a healthy lifestyle.
You can use coconut or almond milk instead of cow's, moreover, compensate for sugar with honey, maple syrup or zero calories sugar.
Nutritional facts
It contains 222 calories per serving
An excellent source of Calcium and proteins
Source of energy and low-calorie carbohydrates
Omega 3 rich source if you add nuts
Dried fruits have mineral content such as Potassium, Sodium, Vitamins, and Iron.
After discovering What is sahlab, Either from Orchid tubers or cornstarch recipes, Don't hesitate to try a Mug which is capable of satisfying you with the warmest comforting creamy milk drink.
And to elevate happiness to the top, try the Egyptian Falafel with fava beans for breakfast and Hawawshi for dinner or lunch to explore the incredible savoury flavours of Egypt.