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Salep Drink (Cinnamon and Warm Milk)

Salep drink topped with cinnamon in a cup on a wooden background.
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4.8 from 5 reviews

A creamy hot milk drink with an amazing flavor that is wonderfully soothing. It is made with salep powder, sugar and milk. 

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon salep powder
  • 1 and ½ tablespoons sugar
  • 1 liter milk
  • Cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

  1. Combine milk, sugar and salep powder in a large saucepan or thick-bottomed pot. Whisk them well.
  2. Heat it over medium low heat, stirring constantly. 
  3. Reduce the heat when the milk starts to boil. Keep stirring while it is simmering until it thickens. Don't rush. This might take 15- 20 minutes or longer, but it is worth it.
  4. Remove from the heat and serve it in cups or mugs with some ground cinnamon on it.
  5. Optionally, you can garnish it with pistachios or other nuts as well. 
  6. Taste and adjust its sweetness. You can add extra sugar if you like it sweeter.
  7. You can put the leftovers in a bottle or jar and keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When you crave for salep again, you can re-heat some.

Notes

  1. Use full-fat milk for the best result.
  2. Cook your salep drink in a thick-bottomed pan. Otherwise, it might burn at the bottom.
  3. Don't try to speed up the process. Making salep requires some time (and patience). If you try to cook it over medium or high heat, there will be lumps and you won't get that nice creamy consistency.
  4. The thickness of salep is a matter of preference. Traditionally, it is supposed to be as thick as hot chocolate. You know, thick but drinkable. So after 15 minutes, check the consistency. If you are happy with it, remove it from the heat. If you want it thicker, keep cooking. 
  5. Be careful when drinking it, it shouldn't be piping hot.
  6. For a plant-based alternative, you can use almond milk or coconut milk. 
  7. You can add extra flavors like orange blossom water or vanilla right before removing it from the heat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.giverecipe.com/turkish-sahlep/