For many, drinking coffee is a ritual that comforts all of the senses, especially on a cold, wintry day. The sound of the percolating espresso machine triggers excitement for the energizing drink to come. The warmth of the coffee cup defrosts brisk fingertips. The flavor is tailored to each person’s preference – rich cream, a sweetener of choice, perhaps a touch of cocoa or spicy cinnamon. The elements of sound, smell, touch and taste work in tandem to transform a simple drink into an all-encompassing experience that many require to start the morning.
While Arabic coffee is popular in the Middle East, there is a hot, sensuous beverage that gives coffee serious competition – sahlab (also known as salep). A cup of sahlab is sweet, warm, spicy, creamy, crunchy, chewy and fragrant all at once.
The word “sahlab” refers to a white, starchy powder ground from the dried roots of wild orchids found in Morocco, Afghanistan, Greece, Cyprus and, most abundantly, Turkey. Not surprisingly, it was the Ottoman Empire that introduced sahlab to the Middle East, where it has been a staple in cafes and street stalls in Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Syria for centuries.
The sahlab root powder gives warm beverages, puddings and even ice cream a thick, almost fluffy texture with an intoxicating floral scent. The root is rich in protein and calcium, and has a thickening quality like cornstarch to make the drink as white and creamy as whole milk. The drink has been touted to improve circulation, cure stomach ailments, strengthen bones and teeth – and, dare I say, act as an aphrodisiac. Here is a photo of the orchid used for traditional sahlab:
Sahlab powder is difficult to find, as the flower is in danger of extinction – importing true sahlab is illegal. However, I have found that combining rose flower water with milk mimics the flavor of sahlab very well, with similar nutritional benefits. Rose flower water is relatively inexpensive and easier to find, with the modern supermarket giving us many choices of milks to suit our dietary needs. I have made sahlab with almond, hemp, flax, coconut and even cashew milk with great results.
While most sahlab recipes call for 1 cup sugar, I find that 1/3 cup is plenty to impart a nice, sweet flavor. Feel free to use any sugar substitute you wish. What really makes sahlab stand apart from other beverages such as coffee are the toppings – coconut, pistachios and cinnamon. Sahlab is a drinkable dessert that you can enjoy guilt-free.
My mother’s favorite memory as a child was enjoying a cup of sahlab in a cafe in Bethlehem after attending Palestinian Christian Mass at the Church of the Nativity. I may not be able to travel that far anytime soon, but I can certainly create my own memories with my customized cup of sahlab. Here is my easy video tutorial, so you can enjoy some sahlab tonight with your family!
I bought some dried ground sahlab to make Persian ice cream years ago and then a friend wanted to try the drink. So I gave the packet to her and forgot all about it.
I’ve never had sahlab as a drink before. Must be so comforting.
I’m going to stop by the Middle Eastern store on my way home tonight and get another packet!
Yes it makes a great ice cream too!! It is wonderful as a drink during this cold time of year 🙂
Marhaba! I’m looking for your detailed recipe for Massakhan. I saw the video (all parts) which is awesome. Some of the oven times and measurements were not noted. Where may I find it?
Hi Denise! Thanks for your interest in the Mussakhan recipe! I haven’t written it down on my blog as I am developing a cookbook that will contain all of the exact measurements. If you have any unanswered questions about the measurements in the video I will be happy to answer! Again thanks for your interest! Best, B
Sharing this with aunt.