Thick, creamy and rich in flavor winter drink that is delicious as is or garnished with all sorts of nuts. This traditional Middle Eastern milk pudding is very popular and takes minutes to make from scratch.
Next time try this thick Italian Hot Chocolate.
Sahlab and sometimes referred to as Salep is a starchy mix stirred into a cup of milk and enjoyed hot topped with all sorts of nuts, cinnamon and raisins. If you are a fan, then you will most probably like this Sahlab ice cream too.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
You can find Sahlab powder in any Middle Eastern store, but let me tell you homemade is a a different story. Rich, flavorful and above all sweetened to your liking.
This homemade Sahlab powder makes for a great homemade gift too. Learn how to make an authentic Sahlab mix and how to prepare a cup with just few easy to find ingredients.
Recipe Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
- Rice flour is important for the authenticity of this recipe. I know there are recipes out there which uses only cornstarch but trust me these are not sahlab, these are thin pudding and do not have the authentic taste for Sahlab.
- Cinnamon, vanilla (powder) and mastic gum are for flavor. I like to use them all but I know it might be hard for some to get a hold of the mastic gum, if this is the case skip it.
- I use unsweetened finely shredded coconut, some people like to use sweetened large flakes so it is up to you.
Recipe Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- In a bowl add all the ingredients except for the mastic gum if using.
- Grind mastic gum using a mortar and pestle, coffee grinder or simply by putting them in a plastic bag and crushing them with something heavy.
- Add the mastic gum to the bowl and mix everything well until very well combined. Store in a jar with tight lid on. This is your Sahlab powder mix.
- Now let's make a cup of Sahlab. In a sauce pan combine 2-3 Tablespoons of the mix with one cup of cold milk.
- Bring to a boil while stirring until it thickens to your preference.
Recipe Expert Tips
- Some people like using large sweetened coconut flakes instead so it is your choice.
- Make sure to taste the Sahlab while it is on stove top before it thickens so you can adjust the sugar if you want to add more.
- I like using mastic gum, vanilla and cinnamon powder as this is what I was brought up to. Although not recommended you can skip the mastic gum but if you do so make sure to add other flavors like vanilla or cinnamon.
- For a low sugar version: skip adding the powdered sugar and use your preferred sweetener when making the drink itself.
- For a vegan version use vegan milk powder ( like soy, rice, coconut..etc) and use almond milk , macadamia milk or oat milk.
- Sahlab powder can be stored in a cool dry place for as long as your ingredients are good.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, skip adding powdered sugar and just mix all the other ingredients together. When ready to use, mix in whatever sugar substitute you like or drink it as is without any added sugar.
Sure, now there are lots of things to choose from. Use any plant-based milk powder like rice, coconut, nuts or soy milk powder. When preparing a cup of Sahlab use any vegan milk substitute you like.
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Sahlab
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered milk
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1/2 cup roasted sesame seeds
For flavor use any or all:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
- 1 teaspoon mastic gum
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 6 Tablespoons whipping cream powder
Garnish with:
- Coconut flakes
- Cinnamon
- Raisins
- Nuts of choice
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix very well.
- Place the mixture in an air-tight jar and label.
To make one cup of Sahlab
- In a sauce pan dissolve 2-3 Tablespoons of the sahib mixture with 1 cup of milk. Taste to check if you need more sugar.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat until it thickens.
- Pour in cups, garnish with nuts and cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- Some people like using large sweetened coconut flakes instead so it is your choice.
- Make sure to taste the Sahlab while it is on stove top before it thickens so you can adjust the sugar if you want to add more.
- I like using mastic gum, vanilla and cinnamon powder as this is what I was brought up to. Although not recommended you can skip the mastic gum but if you do so make sure to add other flavors like vanilla or cinnamon.
- You can instead flavor the drink while making it on stove top with vanilla extract, orange blossom water or rose water.
- For a low sugar version: skip adding the powdered sugar and use your preferred sweetener when making the drink itself.
- For a vegan version use vegan milk powder ( like soy, rice, coconut..etc) and use almond milk , macadamia milk or oat milk.
- Sahlab powder can be stored in a cool dry place for as long as your ingredients are good.
Nutrition
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First published Jan 29, 2016 . Last updated February 24, 2021 with important tips, clear step by step instructions and readability.
Salamat Amira, can i usepackaged rice flour instead of grinding the rice ?
Mona, sure thing. I am all in for shortcuts hehehe.
Lovely outcome, even though I don't have the mastic! Made it for my friends here in New Zealand.. they all love it! Thanks Amira 🙂
Noha, Thank you for trying the sahlab recipe and I am glad that you and your friends liked it. I was about to say "Wow Sahlab in July!!" then I realized you are from New Zealand hehehehe. I hope your winter is not very bad. Does it snow often there?
Looks delicious Amira. Like a dessert sort of.
I'll try it soon.
BTW I wanted to thank you for the lovely recipes you are sharing here and so many from Egypt, a great way for me to teach my little one more about this country...He is Egyptien by his dad!
Love to you and your family.
I hope I can give an honest image of Egypt through dishes and stories. Thanks Marie for your sweet comment.
I love a combination of textures when eating / drinking and this drink definitely delivers that, just got to get a hold of that unusual ingredient - mastic and then I'm good to go
It is a super drink that is more than red bull hahahaha, this drink gives a huge amount of energy to me. I hope you'll find mastic soon .. may be you can try it without this ingredient first until you have it. Thanks for the comment
So much better than the packaged stuff for sure. And really mastic in there, I have some...somewhere. Sounds like a great drink the the presentation with toppings is beautiful!
Thanks Eve, it is indeed an awesome creamy dreamy drink :), hope you'll find the mastic soon.