Sahlab, also often called salep, is one of the most popular drinks in Egypt, although it is not exclusive to this country: its origins appear to be in Turkey, where the key ingredient of its recipe is cultivated, but given the influence that the Ottoman Empire has exerted in the Eastern Mediterranean, it is also possible to taste it in Egypt as a typical local drink. In this post, we tell you what this singular preparation consists of, which will not leave you indifferent.
Key Ingredient of Sahlab: An Orchid
At first glance, sahlab may seem like a creamy milk, flavored with different ingredients. And in part, it is. But the key to the taste and texture of this drink is truly special, due to its rarity in gastronomy: we are talking about the orchid, specifically two subspecies of this plant, Orchis mascula and Orchis militaris. With the tubers of these plants, whose most prized specimens are those that grow wild at high altitude (above 1,000 meters above sea level), a very aromatic flour is produced.
It is this flour that is diluted in milk (in some cases, in water) and results in the creamy drink known as sahlab. However, these are not the only two ingredients. In Egypt, for example, it is usually further flavored with hints of vanilla or cinnamon. And chopped nuts can be added as a topping, which remain at the top of the glass given the consistency of the resulting cream.
In fact, that consistency is a truly distinctive feature of this drink. The orchid flour provides a truly gelatinous touch, which is why it is often used in the preparation of Turkish ice cream or in other pastry creations.
In any case, it should be noted that heat must be applied to prepare the cream. This is why it is considered a winter drink, as it is usually served hot.
Variants of Sahlab
Naturally, there is no standard sahlab for everyone, but each person can add their own touch, especially in the different countries where it is consumed. For example, a very common variant in Egypt is to discard the orchid flour, as it is not always easy to obtain outside of Turkey, and instead use another type of flour, for example, corn or rice. It is true that these flours do not have the same flavor as orchid, but in that case, more emphasis is placed on flavoring the drink with spices.
It is also worth mentioning the summer variant of sahlab. To do this, you only need to add one step: refrigerating the sahlab. In this way, it loses creaminess and gains even more consistency, becoming a kind of very refreshing pudding. This summer variant is usually called muhallebi, and it can also be garnished with a nut topping
Where to Have Sahlab
The best way to enjoy sahlab is leisurely at the table of a café or pastry shop. In Egypt, it is less common to find it sold on the street, at street stalls, as is the case in Turkey, especially in mountain areas, where a glass of this drink helps warm the body.
And if you cannot find sahlab in establishments in Egypt, you have one last option: the supermarket. In grocery stores and large chains, prepared powders are sold ready to mix with milk or hot water. Naturally, it is not a haute cuisine solution, but it can help you discover the very characteristic taste of this drink.
