Description
Sahlab is a warm and comforting Middle Eastern milk pudding, delicately thickened and infused with orange blossom or rose water. Topped with cinnamon and crushed pistachios, this cozy drink-dessert is a beloved winter treat throughout the region, enjoyed as both a dessert and a warming beverage.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch (or original salep powder if available)
- 2–3 tsp sugar (to taste)
- ½ tsp orange blossom water or rose water
- Pinch of cinnamon
Toppings
- Ground cinnamon
- Crushed pistachios
- Coconut flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Mix ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk milk and cornstarch together until smooth and no lumps remain, ensuring a consistent base.
- Add sugar and heat: Add sugar to the mixture and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and scorching.
- Cook until thickened: Continue cooking for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Flavor infusion: Remove from heat and stir in the orange blossom water or rose water to infuse the pudding with fragrance.
- Serve: Pour the pudding into mugs or small bowls, then sprinkle with ground cinnamon, crushed pistachios, and optional coconut flakes. Serve warm for the best comforting experience.
Notes
- Traditional sahlab uses salep powder (orchid tuber flour); cornstarch is a common modern substitute.
- Adjust thickness by varying the cornstarch amount: more for spoonable pudding, less for a sip-able drink.
- Sweeten gently as this recipe is designed to be delicately flavored.
- Use almond, coconut, or oat milk for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
