**Sahlep: A Warm and Comforting Beverage with a Rich History**
Aromatic and comforting, Sahlep is a traditional Turkish beverage enjoyed for centuries. Made with dried orchid tubers, milk, and sugar, this warm and creamy drink has a slightly nutty flavor with hints of vanilla. While the classic recipe remains popular, modern variations incorporate different spices, nuts, and even chocolate. Whether served plain or adorned with toppings, Sahlep is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. And with its potential health benefits, it's a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes both body and soul.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of Sahlep, exploring its history, variations, and health benefits. We'll also provide step-by-step instructions for crafting the classic Sahlep recipe, along with creative twists that add a unique touch to this timeless beverage. So gather your ingredients, warm up your kitchen, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey into the realm of Sahlep.
TURKISH HOT MILK WITH CINNAMON (SALEP)
Here is a recipe for a soothing Turkish drink known as salep that is made with hot milk and cinnamon and a flour made with ground wild orchid tubers.
Provided by Elizabeth Taviloglu
Categories Beverage
Time 12m
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a small saucepan, mix salep flour or wheat starch together with sugar.
- Add milk and stir slowly until sugar dissolves.
- Over a low flame, stir mixture constantly at scalding temperature until very thick, about 10 minutes.
- Pour salep into warm mugs and sprinkle top of each with generous amounts of cinnamon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 735 kcal, Carbohydrate 82 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 32 g, SaturatedFat 18 g, Sodium 420 mg, Sugar 74 g, Fat 32 g, ServingSize 4 cups (4 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
SAHLEP, SALEP, SAHLAB
Sahlep is a delicious creamy Turkish drink. I found sahlep powder in a Turkish shop, that I bough without knowing what it was. In the internet (http://morselsandmusings.blogspot.com/2006/08/sahlep-salep-sahlab.html) I found the explanations and this delicious ancient recipe. Sahlep, a Turkish winter drink, is made from the dried powdered roots of a mountain orchid. The powder is then heated with milk, sugar and cinnamon to make a thick dairy beverage. In modern day Turkey, sahlep is used to cure sore throats and coughs and is only served during the cold months.
Provided by Artandkitchen
Categories Beverages
Time 5m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Boil, whisking continuously, for 2 - 3 minutes.
- Pour into two cups.
- dust with cinnamon.
- enjoy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 134.8, Fat 6.7, SaturatedFat 4.2, Cholesterol 25.6, Sodium 90, Carbohydrate 13, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 4.2, Protein 6.1
EGYPTIAN SAHLAB OR SAHLEP
The website which I got this from says this is a popular winter beverage in Egypt. Usually it's made from the starchy bulbs of a plant called orchis mascula. For those who don't get original sahlep powder, this is a recipe with cornstarch as a substitute. Feel free to use the original thing, though :)
Provided by Mia in Germany
Categories Beverages
Time 15m
Yield 4 cups, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Mix cornstarch with two tablespoons of the milk until smooth.
- Bring remaining milk to a boil, stir in the dissolved starch, whisking with a whisk so that the liquid gets smooth.
- Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until milk thickens.
- Stir in sugar.
- Add rose water or orange blossom water.
- Serve hot in cups or mugs, garnish with chopped pistacchios and cinnamon.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 180.8, Fat 9.5, SaturatedFat 5.6, Cholesterol 34.2, Sodium 119.7, Carbohydrate 16.2, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 3.2, Protein 8.3
Tips:
- Use a good quality orchid root powder. This will ensure that your sahlep has a rich flavor and aroma.
- Soak the orchid root powder in cold water for at least 30 minutes before using. This will help to soften the powder and make it easier to dissolve.
- When making sahlep, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the milk from scorching.
- Stir the sahlep constantly while it is cooking. This will help to prevent the powder from clumping and ensure that it dissolves evenly.
- Add sugar or honey to taste. You can also add other flavorings, such as cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg.
- Serve sahlep hot, topped with nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Conclusion:
Sahlep is a delicious and nutritious hot beverage that is popular in many countries. It is made with orchid root powder, milk, and sugar. Sahlep is a good source of calcium, protein, and other nutrients. It is also said to have medicinal properties, such as aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. If you are looking for a new and flavorful hot beverage to try, sahlep is a great option. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
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