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Forkin
Beverage

Sahlab

Sahlab is a traditional, creamy Middle Eastern hot milk pudding drink, often enjoyed during colder months. It's subtly sweet, fragrantly spiced, and incredibly comforting. This recipe uses sahlab powder to create a thick, warm beverage perfect for a cozy evening.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
15 min
Serves
2
Difficulty
Easy
Per serving
247 kcal
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Allergen information: may contain milk, nuts, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Sahlab

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cupmilk
  • 3 tbspsugar
  • 2 tbspsahlab powder
  • 0.5 tsprose water

garnish

  • 0.5 tspcinnamon, ground
  • 1 tbsppistachio, crushed(optional)

Equipment

saucepan · serving cups · whisk

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and sugar. Whisk gently until the sugar dissolves.

    About 2 min

  2. 2

    Add the sahlab powder to the milk mixture and whisk continuously to ensure there are no lumps.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Whisking vigorously at this stage prevents lumps from forming later.

  3. 3

    Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon.

    About 4 min

    Cook’s note: Do not stop stirring, as the sahlab can easily stick to the bottom of the pan and burn.

  4. 4

    Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sahlab thickens to a consistency similar to thin custard.

    About 6 min

    Cook’s note: The sahlab should coat the back of a spoon.

  5. 5

    Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the rose water.

  6. 6

    Pour the hot sahlab into serving cups.

  7. 7

    Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and crushed pistachios, if using.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
246.7kcal
Protein
11.9g
Carbs
36.6g
Fat
6.4g
Fibre
1.1g
Sugar
34.6g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store any leftover sahlab in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk if it has thickened too much.

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