Sahlab, Salep or Sahlep - is a very popular drink in the Middle East & Turkey. Typically served during cold weather, it became a winter tradition and each sweet sip is literally coziness in a mug! While spring may seem around the corner, if you're looking for a hot drink to enjoy you should give this sahlab a try!
Traditionally, Sahlab is prepared using hot, sweetened milk and sahlab powder - adding mastic, rose water and vanilla extract for added flavor. Topped with cinnamon, shredded coconut, raisins and nuts like pistachios & walnuts for amazing texture and crunch. This drink is a wholesome treat!
Sahlab or Salep powder is a starchy-flour made from tubers of orchids. It thickens the milk and gives it a smooth, creamy texture. You can find sahlab powder at many Middle Eastern stores. However, if not available, you can easily substitute with corn starch.
I've created two dairy-free versions of this very popular drink using oat milk. Oat milk is very creamy and is a delicious - arguably even better tasting - substitute to milk! The first is the classic sahlab with all the toppings and the second is a chocolate sahlab for all you chocolate lovers out there! It is such a fun twist on the classic sahlab drink - think of it as hot chocolate's cousin!
Classic Dairy-Free Sahlab
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups unsweetened oat milk
2 tbsp sugar*
1 tbsp sahlab powder or corn starch
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp rose water
dash of ground mastic gum
* some store-bought sahlab powder has added sugar. Check to confirm before adding any sugar to the recipe.
Toppings:
cinnamon
shredded coconut
chopped walnuts
chopped pistachios
raisins
rose petals for garnish
Directions
In a saucepan, add cold oat milk, sugar and sahlab powder or cornstarch.
Whisk until the sahlab or cornstarch are completely dissolved - no lumps.
Add vanilla extract, rose water and ground mastic gum.
Bring to a boil over medium heat - stir continuously.
Once mixture turns thick, about 2-3 mins after boiling, remove from heat and pour into mugs.
Top generously with all the toppings
Wrap your hand around the warm mug of sahlab and enjoy! you can sip and/or use a teaspoon to scoop out all the toppings!
Chocolate Dairy-Free Sahlab
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups unsweetened oat milk
1 tbsp sugar*
1 tbsp sahlab powder or corn starch
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp chopped chocolate
1 tbsp hazelnut chocolate spread
dash of ground mastic gum
* some store-bought sahlab powder has added sugar. Check to confirm before adding any sugar to the recipe.
Toppings:
chopped hazelnuts
chocolate shavings
Directions
In a saucepan, add cold oat milk, sugar and sahlab powder or cornstarch.
Whisk until the sahlab or cornstarch are completely dissolved - no lumps.
Add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, chopped chocolate & hazelnut chocolate spread. Whisk well.
Bring to a boil over medium heat - stir continuously.
Once mixture turns thick, about 2-3 mins after boiling, remove from heat and pour into mugs.
Top generously with hazelnuts and chocolate shavings
Wrap your hand around the warm mug of sahlab and enjoy!
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