Sahlab {Cultural Foodie}

 

Picture of Sahlab drink               

Sahlab, Saleb or Saloob is one of the popular drinks in Egypt, especially in winter. The drink was popular in the 17th and 18th century in England. There, it was offered in the coffee and tea shops. The Egyptians knew it from the Ottoman Empire. The ottomans used it to make the girls more plumber. Contemplating about the drink, it used to be made of orchid tubers. There was the addition of milk or water to the powder. However, the modern sahleb does not have any orchid powder. It is funny how cultural exchange of food can be. 

The starchy drink has been spread in more than one country. Its main ingredient faced extinction “thd tuber” but there were other recipes to still make Sahlab. And it is still favorable among so many with other ingredients. 

Here is one of the many recipes available online: 

Equal amount of the following ingredients: 

Rice flour 

Milk powder 

Corn flour

Mastic (if preferred)

Nuts (if preferred) 

Some prefer to add the nuts with the mixture but other prefer to add it when preparing the drink. Some say if the nuts added with mixture for too long, it will make the nuts less crunchier. 

When prepared some put rose water if preferred and milk of course. The mixture should be stirred until being thick and creamy in consistency.