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Sahleb

Dec 28, 2020 · Leave a Comment

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completed sahlab drinks on wooden board with game in the background

Sahleb is a delightful Middle Eastern winter drink, milky and creamy with a hint of exotic flavors. It’s so easy to make! Even easier with this version which uses cornstarch instead of the harder to source sahlab powder.

What is sahleb (sahlab?)

cinnamon stick stirring sahlab drink

Sahleb is also known as sahlab, sahlep, and salep. I didn’t even know this before I started writing this blog post, but sahlab is actually a flour made from the tubers of an orchid flower.

Sahleb powder itself basically functions as a thickener. If you find plain sahleb powder, that would take the place of cornstarch in this recipe, and you’d need a lot less (you can see the amount below in the ingredients section of the post). It thickens significantly more than cornstarch, so just a little suffices.

In the Middle East, ready made sahleb drink mixes are usually found which are different than plain powder. The ready mix usually has sugar and powdered milk in it and you need to just add milk or water.

What is sahlab drink?

It’s a milky, creamy warm drink common in the Middle East, Turkey and Greece. It’s served in the winter and often includes the sahlab powder mentioned above as a thickener.

Thick and delicious, with hints of exotic flavor from rose water, orange blossom water and mastic (more on that in the ingredient section).

Sahleb is a winter tradition. It’s almost a dessert in a cup! We top it with lots of toppings to make it even more decadent, and you could practically eat it with a spoon. It’s also common to dip kaak bread in it (like a sweetened dry rusk).

three sahlab drinks with pistachios in the background in a bowl

What to top sahleb with?

Cinnamon powder is a must! A little dusting of cinnamon on the top of sahleb is tradition. It’s also commonly topped with finely chopped nuts. I like walnuts and pistachios. Some places top it with sweetened coconut and raisins too. I like to mix it up!

What ingredients do you need?

ingredients needed to make sahlab drink

Milk: I recommend whole milk for the most creaminess

Sugar: Most recipes call for more, but I recommend 4 tbsp of sugar for a balanced, sweet drink. If you like your drinks a little less sweet, you can reduce this to 3 tbsp.

Cornstarch: This is the thickener I use in the recipe, instead of sahleb powder which is more difficult to find. You need four times as much cornstarch as sahleb, so in this recipe I use 4 heaped tbsp of cornstarch. If you actually do have sahleb powder, you can use that instead, and use just 1 tbsp.

Rose Water and Orange Blossom Water: These add beautiful fragrance to the drink, and that characteristic exotic flavor.

Mastic Gum: This is the strangest ingredient in the list, but it adds so much flavor! This is a commonly used plant resin that gives a refreshing, pine like flavor to the drinks and desserts its added to. It needs to be crushed before using, you can use a mortar and pestle, or blend it in a blender with the sugar.

It’s known for helping with digestion, and can be found in some health food stores as well as most Middle Eastern supply shops.

If you can’t find it, you can definitely leave it out! If you do manage to get some on hand, I do recommend trying it out, it’s definitely an interesting flavor.

Cinnamon: I added a cinnamon stick to the milk while it was simmering to give it flavor. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon powder, or neither to the cooking milk and just top the finished product with cinnamon.

How to make sahlab:

sahlab in a saucepan with toppings in bowls on the side
  1. Off the heat, whisk together the milk and cornstarch thoroughly for a good minute or so until no lumps remain.
  2. Place the saucepan on medium low heat, add the sugar and crushed mastic (crush mastic with a mortar or pestle, or blend it in a spice grinder or blender along with the sugar to make the blending process easier).
  3. Add the cinnamon stick, and whisk continuously until thickened and smooth. The consistency should be between a drink and a pudding, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Pour the drink into mugs, and top with garnishes of choice. Enjoy warm!

Storing leftover sahlab:

Leftovers can be stored tightly covered for 1-2 days and gently reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

If you liked this recipe, you might like:

Karak Chai

Aish El Saraya

Kunafa

Maamoul

Rose Water and Orange Blossom Salted Caramel

three sahlab cups on a wooden platter with game in background

Sahleb

A wonderful winter drink, sahleb has warm and exotic Middle Eastern flavors and is absolutely comforting and delicious
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Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: drink
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 228kcal
Author: Farah Abumaizar

Ingredients

  • 4 cups milk, cold
  • 4 heaped tbsp cornstarch (cornflour)
  • 3-4 tbsp sugar I used 4, if you like your drinks barely sweet reduce to 3.
  • 5-6 small pieces mastic, crushed about 1/2 teaspoon total, see notes
  • 1 cinnamon stick or pinch cinnamon, optional
  • 1 tsp orange blossom water
  • 1 tsp rose water
  • chopped pistachios or walnuts, cinnamon powder, shredded coconut (optional) for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan whisk together the milk and the cornstarch thoroughly, for about one minute until no lumps remain.
  • Place on medium low heat, add the sugar and crushed mastic and whisk to combine. Add cinnamon stick if using.
  • Continue to cook and whisk until thickened into a consistency that's thicker than hot chocolate but looser than pudding, or to the consistency of your taste! This can take anywhere from 6-10 minutes. Don't be tempted to increase the heat because the milk can easily burn.
  • Once thick and creamy, pour sahleb into serving cups of choice, and top with garnishes of your choice. Traditionally, nuts are common (pistachio or walnut), as well as cinnamon powder, and sometimes raisins and shredded coconut. Enjoy warm, so good!

Notes

Mastic is a plant resin known for it’s health properties, like for easing digestion. It’s commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts and has a very distinct flavor, refreshing pine and cedar notes. 
You can probably find it in Middle Eastern stores or even health stores. In a pinch, make the recipe without. It will lose a little of the signature flavor, but the orange blossom and rose water will make sure it’s still delicious and exotic!
Tried this recipe?Mention @everylittlecrumb or tag #everylittlecrumb!

Nutrition

Calories: 228kcal

Middle Eastern sahlab drink (milk pudding) by everylittlecrumb on Jumprope.

Did you make this? Tag @everylittlecrumb or hashtag #everylittlecrumb and I’ll share your images!

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Farah Abu Maizar | Food Lover
You have to know, if I post a chicken recipe it me You have to know, if I post a chicken recipe it means it’s reaaaaaally good. This copy cat Halal guys chicken and rice is unbelievable dish! I got the turmeric rice recipe from @seriouseats and its buttery and perfectly spiced and fluffy and addictive, topped with juicy grilled spiced chicken cubes and a tangy, creamy dressing, tomatoes and parsley. AMAZING! Recipe below and in the @tamimimarkets catalogue❤️.

INGREDIENTS:

For the chicken marinade:
900 g chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp white vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp oregano powder
1 tsp seven spices
1/2 tsp ginger powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp paprika powder

For the white sauce:
3/4 cup Greek yogurt 170g (6oz)
1/2 cup mayonnaise 115 g
1 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp water
1 tsp lemon juice
1-2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the rice:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp cumin powder
1 1/2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 20 minutes then rinsed
2 1/2 cups chicken stock or 1 stock cube dissolved in 2.5 cups hot water
salt and pepper to taste, a pinch of each

To assemble:
1 chopped tomato
handful chopped parsley
sriracha sauce

INSTRUCTIONS: 
For the chicken:
In a bowl, mix all the ingredients for chicken marinade. Add chicken breast and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinade for 1-2 hours.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet on medium high heat, and cook chicken for 5-6 min each side, or until golden brown and cooked.
Remove chicken to a cutting board, and rest for 10 minutes, before chopping roughly into 2 inch cubes.

For the white sauce:
Mix all ingredients and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

For the rice:
Add butter to a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the turmeric and cumin, and stir for 1 minutes.
Add the rice, and toast the rice by stirring for 4 minutes. Add chicken stock, salt and pepper to season. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 min, then set aside 15 min and fluff with a fork.

To assemble:
Place the rice in your serving platter, top with the chicken, the white sauce, and chopped tomatoes and parsley. Sriracha too!
This is my go to baked creamy cheesecake. It’s s This is my go to baked creamy cheesecake. It’s so good and rich and easy, topped with a sweet and tangy simple strawberry sauce (sauce recipe from @sallysbakeblog ). I used my new @kenwood_bahrain stand mixer and it was excellent- gave me silky smooth lump free filling. Another winner for my @digitrolley collab- all my new appliances are from them❤️ Check IGTV for recipe video!

For the strawberry topping:
-1 tbsp cornstarch
-3 tbsp water
-450 g strawberries, halved (big pack)
-zest and juice from 1/2 small lemon 
-1/4 cup (50g) sugar

-Whisk together cornstarch and water, then add to a saucepan along with all other ingredients, over medium heat.
-Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly and breaking up strawberries as they cook, 5 minutes or so until thickened. Set aside to cool, can be stored in fridge up to one week.

For the cheesecake:

Ingredients
For the crust:
* 250 g crushed digestive biscuits 2 cups 
* 135 g melted butter 1 stick and 1 tablespoon
* 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the cheesecake:
* 900 g cream cheese (3 3/4 cup)
* 1 1/2 cup white sugar 300 g
* 3/4 cup milk, room temp
* 4 eggs, room temp
* 1 cup sour cream 240 g
* 1 tbsp vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup all purpose flour 32g

Instructions:

For the crust:
* In a mixing bowl, combine crushed biscuits, the melted butter, and the cinnamon with a fork until crumbs are moistened evenly throughout. Press along the bottom and sides of a lightly greased 9 inch springform pan. Let the crust chill a little in the fridge while you prepare cheesecake.

For the cheesecake:
-Preheat the oven to 180 C
-In  stand mixer, combine the cream cheese with the sugar in a large bowl and mix on medium speed until well combined and fluffy. Blend in the milk, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition.

-Mix in sour cream, vanilla and flour until smooth. It may be easier to sift in the flour.

-Pour filling into prepared crust. Bake at 180 C for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave cheesecake inside for another 5 hours or so until oven has completely cooled. This is to prevent cracking.

* Store cheesecake in fridge after this time period is over until chilled, then top with the strawberry topping.
This, to me, is the sambosa that best embodies Bah This, to me, is the sambosa that best embodies Bahrain- the first- actually the only-place I have these cheesy corn sambosa ❤️. No fancy cheese goes in this, it’s literally the stuff out of a can and take SO melty and cheesy and good. I mix in a little mashed potatoes and it just makes these 💯 times better, creamy and delicious. Posting the full steps on IGTV, it’s so easy you prob won’t need them! Recipe below and tell me- what’s your go to sambosa cheese?

Ingredients
2 small potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes 8 oz total, 235 g
1/2 cup corn kernels, from a can, drained
12 oz American cheese, like Velveeta or Kraft, grated 340 g (2 170g cans of Kraft processed cheese)
pinch salt
pinch black pepper
1/2 pack samosa wrappers each pack is 500 g

Instructions:
-Cover potato cubes with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are completely cooked through. Drain, and mash.

-Let potatoes cool slightly then combine mashed potatoes with the grated cheese, drained corn, salt and pepper. Mix well until the mixture is evenly combined. Taste for and adjust seasoning.

-Fill each samosa wrapper with a tbsp of mixture on the bottom corner, then fold the corner of the samosa up and over the filling to the other side, to make a triangle. Keep folding this triangle over all the way up the top (check the video at the bottom of this recipe card to see how). Mix together the flour and water to form a thick paste, and seal the ends of the samosa to prevent them from opening up while frying.

-Place vegetable oil in a skillet, about 2 inches deep and heat on medium high heat. Once hot enough, add the sambosa and fry for around 2 minutes a side until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel lined plate to absorb some of the excess oil, then enjoy warm.

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#harira #soup #ramadanrecipes #ramadan2021 #ramadan #ramadankareem #vegetablesoup #soupseason #soupsofinstagram #delishkitchen #friedfood #aprilisforarabfood #f52grams #foodfluffer #foodflatlay #foodphotography #foodphotographer #foodstylist #thefeedfeed #middleeasternfood #vegetarian #tasty #tastingtable #tastemade #samosa #sambosa
This is one of my top 5 recipes from this Ramadan’s recipe prep. One of my features does the @tamimimarkets recipe catalogue! Click the link in their bio to access this gorgeous (free!) catalogue.

This harira soup is unbelievable. Hearty and delicious and beautifully spiced- I’ve never been obsessed with harira soup until this one. It’s a simple one because it’s meat free, so it’s perfect to start your iftar with but also hearty enough to totally serve as a meal alongside some sambosas. Recipe below, and IGTV video coming in a bit!

Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
pinch red chili flakes
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup chopped coriander(cilantro)
1 can tomato sauce 15 oz (430g)
7 cups vegetable stock or 2 stock cubes dissolved in 7 cups water
1 can drained chickpeas 15 oz (400 g)
1 cup green lentils
1/2 cup vermicelli noodles 50 g
2 lemons, juiced 1/4 cup juice
2 tbsp flour, dissolved in 1/4 cup water* use cornstarch if gluten free

Instructions:
-Start by adding the lentils to a bowl of water and soaking as you prepare the rest of the ingredients, this helps them cook through faster.
-Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, and add the onions, celery and carrots. Saute for 6-8 minutes, until onions soften and turn golden brown.
-Add all the spices, the chopped parsley and chopped coriander, the tomato sauce, and the vegetable stock. Bring the pot to a boil, then add the drained chickpeas and drained lentils. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes or until chickpeas and lentils are tender.
-Add the vermicelli, and let it boil for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Add the lemon juice, and the flour water mixture. Let it simmer another minute or until it thickens, then taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if necessary.
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#harira #soup #ramadanrecipes #ramadan2021 #ramadan #ramadankareem #vegetablesoup #soupseason #soupsofinstagram #moroccan #moroccanfood #aprilisforarabfood #f52grams #foodfluffer #foodflatlay #foodphotography #foodphotographer #foodstylist #thefeedfeed #veganrecipes #vegan #tasty #tastingtable #tastemade #lentils
Never ever liked vimto until I had it like this 🍧. Vimto smoothies means that the sweetness of vimto is tempered by that cold crunchy shaved ice. Could not stop eating/drinking these vimto slushees! So easy, you just need water, ice, vimto and a high speed blender- my @ninjakitchenme did so well breaking down huge ice chunks👏🏼. Save this for a little twist on your classic iftar drink🥳

Ingredients:
-3/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup vimto 
- 2 cups ice 

Method:
Add the ingredients to your blender in the order listed, and blend on frozen drink mode until slushy like consistency. Add more ice or water if you need to, and enjoy immediately with a spoon/straw. Yum!
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#ramadan #ramadan2021 #ramadanrecipes #iceddrinks #slush #slushy #slushii #berries #syrup #cordial #drinkphotography #damnthatsdelish #foodfluffer #pour #dripshot #foodphotography #foodphotographyandstyling #foodstylist #foodstyling #thefeedfeed #vimto #foodtographyschool #foodtography #beautifulcuisines
A biscuit base topped with a super easy smooth, cr A biscuit base topped with a super easy smooth, creamy pistachio cheesecake and the crowning touch,  @mayadelices ‘s luscious milk chocolate melted and poured over the top. I mean- heavenly! Recipe below, adapted from @savoryandsweetfood ,, IGTV will be uploaded today. I am absolutely loving @mayadelices couverture, great quality baking chocolate thats so fun experimenting with! They have sugar free and vegan options too, and best of all it’s easily available in their shop in Bahrain 🍫👏🏼

Ingredients:

For the crust:
2 cups digestive biscuit crumbs (250 g)
1/2 cup butter melted, 115g
Pinch cinnamon powder

For the pistachio cheesecake filling:

1 cup pistachio powder (140g)
12 Kiri squares or cream cheese (215g)
250 ml thick cream
1/2 of a 400 g tin of sweetened condensed milk, more if you like it sweeter

To top:
1 cup Maya milk chocolate (160g)
pistachios to garnish

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease and line a 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper with extra paper hanging over the sides so you can easily lift out the bars.

2. Mix digestive crumbs with melted butter and cinnamon. Press this firmly into the base of the pan. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

3. In a food processor, add the pistachio powder, kiri cheese cubes, thick cream, and condensed milk. Blend until well combined and smooth. Pour this mixture into the crust base and bake for 15-20 minutes until set but center is still a little jiggly. Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour then refrigerate for several hours.

4. Melt the milk chocolate gently in the microwave, in 10 second bursts, stirring after each increment. Once smooth and melted, spread over the top of the cheesecake, and refrigerate until set. Enjoy!
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Want a Ramadan dessert that takes minutes to make Want a Ramadan dessert that takes minutes to make and tastes amazing? Yeah we all do - I got you! Try this coffee biscuit cake (barely adapted from the wonderful @littlesunnykitchen). Layers of coffee soaked biscuits and a super easy fluffy cream 👌🏼. I used my new @braun_bahrain handheld electric whisk, one of the attachments in the minipimer set-It whips the cream so fast, much faster than my stand mixer and it’s so convenient to be able to use any bowl to prep the cream in. I’ve partnered with @digitrolley to bring you lots of good recipes with their range of kitchen appliances, so keep following along! Recipe below , and IGTV video coming today in my Ramadan series!

Ingredients
2 tbsp nescafe powder dissolved in 1 cup hot water
1 cup heavy whipping cream 250ml
3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
splash vanilla extract, optional
1 creme caramel sachet, powder only 49g
1 pack tea biscuits or graham crackers 7 oz or 200 g
2 tbsp cocoa powder for topping

Instructions:
-Add the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and creme caramel powder to a bowl and beat until soft peaks form. Set this cream mixture aside.
-Dip the tea biscuits into the coffee briefly until they soak up the coffee but before they start to break apart. -Layer in a 7×11 or 9×9 inch clear pyrex dish, then top with half the cream mixture.
-Repeat another layer of coffee soaked biscuits on top of the heavy cream, followed by the remaining half of the cream. Sift the cocoa powder on to the top, then refrigerate for several hours until set. This is even better the next day!

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#nescafe #nescafegold #coffeecake #biscuit #biscuitcake #nobake #nobakedessert #nobakecake #tiramisu #damnthatsdelish #tastingtable #beautifulcuisines #foodphotography #foodphotographyandstyling #tastyfood #easydessert #ramadankareem #ramadan2021 #ramadanrecipes #cream
Ramadan Kareem! And the first recipe is for these Ramadan Kareem! And the first recipe is for these unbelievable (and easy!) chicken musakhan sambosa was developed for @tamimimarkets Ramadan catalogue. One of the coolest projects I’ve ever worked on can’t wait to tell you more about it! In the meantime, enjoy this teaser recipe and check IGTV for full video steps coming up. 

Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, cooked and finely shredded about 1 heaped cup of shredded chicken See notes
1/4 cup olive oil
2 large onions cut in half, then thinly sliced into wedges
1/4 cup toasted almond slivers or pine nuts
3 tbsp sumac
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
To assemble:
1 pack sambosa wrappers 500 g
1 tbsp flour
1/2 tbsp water
For frying:
vegetable oil, about 1/4 cup

Instructions:
-In a deep skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil until it heats up. Add the onions, and cook, stirring frequently until soft and starting to caramelize, 8-10 minutes.

-Add the shredded chicken, the toasted nuts, and all the spices. Stir to combine, then remove from the heat. Let mixture cool slightly 5 minutes or so.

-Fill each sambosa wrapper with a tbsp of mixture on the bottom corner, then fold the corner of the sambosa up and over the filling to the other side, to make a triangle. Keep folding this triangle over all the way up the top 

-Mix together the flour and water to form a thick paste, and seal the ends of the sambosa to prevent them from opening up while frying.

-Place vegetable oil in a skillet, about 2 inches deep and heat on medium high heat. Once hot enough, add the sambosa and fry for around 2 minutes a side until golden brown. Remove to a paper towel lined plate to absorb some of the excess oil, then enjoy warm, optionally with yogurt to dip in.
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#chickensamosa #musakhan #ramadankareem #ramadan2021 #ramadanrecipes #samosa #friedfood #palestinianfood #middleeasternfood #beautifulcuisines #damnthatsdelish #f52community #thefeedfeed #foodgawker #f52grams #buzzfeedfood #tastingtable #tastemade #chickenrecipes #sumac #caramelizedonions #foodblogfeed #foodphotography #foodphotographyandstyling #foodstyling
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