Vegan Sahlab Recipe

A traditional Middle Eastern hot beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a creamy, fragrant, and comforting drink perfect for cozy winter days or special occasions. This recipe is for Vegan Sahlab, it is easy to make, creamy, and will warm you up!

What is Sahlab?

Sahlab, also called Salep in Turkish is a flour made from Orchid tubers, it was a very popular beverage, or pudding-like dessert during the Ottoman Empire and is still very popular in Turkey which is the major producer of Sahlab. Also in Egypt and the Levant region is widely consumed, especially during the winter season.

Due to the decline in the wild orchid population in Turkey, It is illegal to export Salep, and most instant Sahlab powder available for consumption nowadays are mixes made with artificial flavorings and other additives. Therefore it is better to prepare your own Sahlab powder at home!

This recipe will show you how easy it is to prepare your instant Sahlab powder that you can store for months to enjoy on winter days or whenever you crave something creamy, warm, and delicious!

Sahlab Recipe Ingredients:

Sahlab powder ingredients:

• Coconut milk powder: most Sahlab powder mixes available in the supermarkets contain regular milk dry powder which is not vegan, therefore in this recipe, I have used coconut milk powder instead, which gives a rich creamy texture.
• Corn starch: added to create a pudding-like thick consistency. It will thicken the sahlab as it cooks.
• Rice flour: used also to thicken sahlab and give it texture.
• Powdered sugar: or your favorite sweeteners, whether it’s maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar, to add that touch of sweetness that Sahlab is known for. When using a liquid sweetener, make sure to add it to the final sahlab drink and not to this powder.
• Vanilla extract powder: you can substitute with liquid vanilla extract added to the sahlab drink later.
• Mastic: you need to grind it into powder and use it in this recipe. I have used this before in the rice pudding recipe.

Sahlab drink ingredients:

• Plant milk: for this recipe, I have used coconut milk, but you can use any plant-based milk you prefer.
• Rose water: only a few drops are required for added Middle Eastern flavor.
• Toppings: cinnamon powder, chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, or any nut you like. Desiccated coconut is a classical toppings for sahlab as well.

How to make a vegan Sahlab recipe?

Prepare Sahlab Powder mix:

• Gather the powder mix ingredients.
• Start by sifting the dry ingredients into a bowl,
• Using a pestle and mortar grind the mastic into powder and add it to the mix
• Mix all the dry ingredients till combined and transfer into a sterilized and dry glass jar.

Prepare Sahlab drink:

• Add the plant milk to a pan and heat it on the stovetop.
• Once the milk is warm add the Sahlab powder mix and whisk everything to combine and prevent any clumps.
• Keep whisking till the mixture thickens which will take around 5-10 minutes.
• Remove from stove top and pour into cup.

How to serve sahlab?

Serve it in individual cups, topped with your favorite toppings. Traditionally Sahlab is topped with cinnamon powder, chopped pistachios, and/or desiccated coconut.

You can serve it with some biscuits or cookies like these vegan pignoli cookies, toasty and nutty and pair perfectly with Sahlab!

Sahlab is a traditional winter drink in the Middle East, however living in Dubai where summer is the predominant season, I do enjoy sahlab cold as well. You can store it in the fridge and enjoy it just like you would enjoy custard!

Recommended Recipes:

• Vegan Karak Tea Recipe
• Dates Milkshake
• Eggs and potato recipe
• Lazy cake recipe

If you make this recipe, I’d love a comment, and to rate this recipe. Please make sure to tag me in re-creation on Instagram @veganbilaraby. I love to see your take on my vegan recipes 💚