Egyptian Sahleb | Orchid Root Drink

Egyptian Sahleb | Orchid Root Drink

Sahleb is a beloved drink in Egyptian culture that’s especially popular during the colder months. This creamy and comforting beverage is made with milk and sahleb powder, a unique blend derived from orchid tubers mixed with cornstarch and vanilla. It’s lightly flavored with cinnamon and rose water, then garnished with toasted almonds and coconut for a touch of texture and sweetness. Sahleb can also be made into a pudding by increasing the powder, creating a versatile treat that’s perfect for any time of the day.

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Ingredients

(Seasonings should be added to taste.)

For the Sahleb Drink:

• 2 cups milk

• 1 tablespoon sahleb powder

• ground cinnamon

• rose water

For Garnish:

• toasted almond slices

• coconut flakes

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Instructions

Preparing the Sahleb Drink

To start, add milk to a small pot and mix in sahleb powder. This unique powder is made from the orchid tuber and blended with corn starch and vanilla to create its signature texture and flavor. Stir in ground cinnamon for warmth and add a splash of rose water for a fragrant touch.

Heating the Milk

Turn the heat to medium and allow the mixture to come to a light boil. Be sure to stir it frequently to prevent lumps and ensure even cooking.

TIP: Keep an eye on the pot as the milk heats up; if it overheats, it can rise quickly and overflow.

Serving and Garnishing

Once the sahleb drink is ready, transfer it to a serving cup. Garnish with toasted almond slices and coconut flakes for added flavor and a bit of crunch.

Optional Pudding Variation

If you’d like to transform this drink into a creamy pudding, increase the amount of sahleb powder in the recipe. After mixing all the ingredients and heating the milk, transfer it to a serving dish and let it cool. As it rests, it will thicken and set into a delightful pudding.