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Middle Eastern Sahlab

Middle Eastern Sahlab

Middle EasternMiddle EasternEasyEasyDrinksDrinks
Traditional Middle Eastern sahlab topped with nuts, coconut and cinnamon
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Eid 2026: How To Make Traditional
Middle Eastern Sahlab
At Home

15 mins
Cooking Time
Easy
Difficulty
9
Ingredients
Veg
Diet
Sahlab is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert drink traditionally enjoyed during cooler evenings and festive occasions such as Eid. This milk-based delicacy is thick, creamy, and comforting, gently sweetened and thickened with starch to create a custard-like consistency that sits somewhere between a drink and a pudding. The drink is typically served warm and topped with a fragrant mix of nuts, coconut, and cinnamon. What makes Sahlab unique is its luxurious texture. Traditionally, it was made using powdered orchid root, known as salep, which gave the drink its natural thickness and floral aroma. Today, most home versions use cornstarch as a practical alternative while still achieving the same velvety richness.

Ingredients

UNITSIngredients
2 cupsFull-fat milk
2 tbspCornstarch
2 tbspSugar (adjust to taste)
½ tspOrange blossom water or rose water (optional but traditional
a pinchCardamom powder
1 tbspDesiccated coconut
1 tbspPistachios (finely chopped)
1 tbspAlmonds (finely chopped)
¼ tspCinnamon powder

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Directions

Description - Step 1

Prepare The Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold milk taken from the total milk. Stir until a smooth, lump-free slurry forms. This ensures the drink thickens evenly while cooking.

Step 1
Prepare The Cornstarch Slurry
2 Minutes
Step 2
Heat The Milk
3 Minutes
Step 3
Add The Thickening Mixture
3-4 Minutes
Step 4
Cook Until Creamy
2-3 Minutes