Sahlab is a creamy and delicious beverage with a thin pudding like consistency. Often flavored with orange blossom and cinnamon, this is easy to make and so soothing. Sahlab powder recipe in the notes below and more delicious variations in blog post!
In a medium saucepan, whisk milk, corn starch and honey until well combined.
Bring it to a slow boil at medium heat, stirring often, and making sure that the mixture does not stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
Cook until it reaches a very creamy and thin pudding like consistency, about 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and remove from stove.
Stir in orange blossom water. Adjust the sweetener and flavors to your taste.
Serve it steaming hot in cups and top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, shredded coconut, crushed nuts and dried fruit (if using).
Notes
Orange blossom water, rose water, desiccated coconut and cardamom are available at Indian or Middle eastern grocery stores and online. Check blog post for tips, recipe FAQs and variations.Chocolate Option: Cook with some cocoa (1 tablespoon per cup) or stir in melted chocolate and top with crushed toasted hazelnuts. Sahlab Powder RecipeCombine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl. Store in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark and dry place. Use it in 2 months.
1 cup milk powder, I use nido whole milk powder
½ cup coconut milk powder, or ground dried coconut (but this will give it some texture)
½ cup rice flour, corn starch may work as substitute
½ cup powdered sugar, optional, or use sweetener of your choice
¼ cup corn starch
2 teaspoons vanilla sugar, Dr Oetker
½ teaspoon mastic, optional, crushed using mortar and pestle, or ½ teaspoon vanilla
If you don't have coconut milk powder (available online), substitute with regular whole milk powder. Mastic gum is a plant resin with a nutty flavor and is widely used in middle eastern desserts and drinks. It is available at middle eastern stores.Use 3 to 4 tablespoons of the above mix per cup milk. Flavor with orange blossom water and sweeten to your taste with honey, if the mix does not have sugar.Egyptian style (optional): Add 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds. Use 1 tablespoon extra sesame seeds as topping per cup of sahlab.