Sahlab (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding)

5 from 6 Ratings
Share it

If you haven’t had Sahlab before, you’re missing out! It is a delicious milk pudding popular in the Middle East. The ultimate cold-weather dessert drink and an ideal comfort food for chilly nights.

It is a creamy, lightly sweetened, and aromatic drink that fills you with warmth and spiced flavors. The famous milk pudding drink is easy to make either as a drink or spooned dessert depending on thickness.

This original recipe of Sahlab is the same recipe that people enjoyed for centuries in the Middle East. The only difference is that you no longer have to travel to the Middle East to enjoy it! The unique and rich taste of Sahlab results from the special blend of whole milk, cornstarch, sugar, and orange blossom. So, just add water, warm it up, and serve with cinnamon and nuts with rose petals garnish!


Middle Eastern Sahlab Drink
A perfect drink for cozy evenings!


What Is the Origin of Sahlab?

During the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century, people used this drink Sahlab for medicinal purposes. During the late 18th century, the beverage was served in English cafes before the development of tea and coffee, referred to as ‘Saloop’ in England.

Sahlab is a thick, creamy milk pudding that is usually served hot so that it can warm you up. It is an excellent choice for breakfast, dessert, or even as a snack. This Lebanese version is a simple version of milk with a bit of cornstarch. You can make it of a more pudding consistency to eat with a spoon. It’s a great dessert drink for the winter, holidays, and special occasions.


Ramadan sahlab drink
Such a comfort drink!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Treat

We all crave something hot to drink when it’s cold, and rainy, or snowy outside. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are always great options, but not everyone is satisfied by these choices. That’s where a nutritious and homemade Sahlab comes into play. Also, it is a healthy and kid-friendly sweet dessert.

This delicious and creamy Middle Eastern drink is so perfect for cold winter weather! Nothing can beat a warm and comforting mug of Sahlab after a long and tiring day at work for a good night’s sleep. It is great for your health and an excellent alternative to sugary as well as caffeinated beverages.

Health benefits of sahlab are immense! It is used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and stomachache.



homemade cozy sahlab drink topped with ground cinnamon, almonds, and shredded coconut
Heavenly taste!

These simple ingredients are the secret to the irresistibly comforting taste of sahlab dessert:

Milk: You can use any milk, such as whole milk or even any other plant-based milk.

Orange blossom water: It will give your sahlab an authentic and traditional taste.

Sugar: You can use white or brown sugar. You can even skip it if you prefer.

Cornstarch: You can use cornstarch or tapioca starch.

Mastic rocks: Easily replace it by ground pistachios.


Middle Eastern sweet treat
Easy dessert made at home!

First, add all the ingredients into a pot.

Then, continue mixing with a spoon to make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved and is not chunky (add more cornstarch if you want to eat it with a spoon like a looser pudding).

Next, turn on heat. Then place the pot on a medium flame and let the mixture thicken while stirring constantly.

Now, stir until your desired thickness and serve hot in mugs and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon spice, ground pistachios, or other ground nuts on each serving.

I like to drink it, but some people prefer to eat it with a spoon.


Middle eastern milk pudding drink
Tasty, creamy, and so sweet!

Hot or Iced: Sahlab is usually served hot, but you can chill it for an iced version in warmer months. Just allow it to cool and serve over ice.
Consistency: Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of starch. More starch will make the drink thicker, while less will keep it more liquid.



Top Tips


the best sahlab recipe
So sweet and aromatic!

Amazing Dessert Recipes to Try


two cups with straws of warm sahlab dessert topped with crushed pistachios, shredded coconuts, and dried rose petals
The ideal comfort drink for chilly nights


Can I use sahlab powder to make sahlab recipe?

Of course! You can buy a ready powder from your nearest supermarket or grocery store, but be aware that the powder has been sitting in the store for a while and might not be as fresh as you would like.

How to make Sahlab vegan?

To make it vegan, all you have to do is substitute dairy milk in place of non-dairy milk. For example, you can use almond, coconut, cashew, soy, or oat milk.

What does sahlab taste like?

Sahlab has a very light floral taste. You can adjust orange blossom water to your preference.

Can you make sahlab sugar-free?

Combine all the ingredients without adding sugar. If you prefer, you can add sugar substitutes or drink it plain without any sugar.

Why is my sahlab lumpy?

To make your it lump-free, mix the cornstarch and the milk while it is still cold; if you add the cornstarch to the warm milk, it will make your dessert lumpy. Adding cornstarch to the cold milk lets the cornstarch dissolve in the milk and create a smooth texture.


If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.



a cup of Middle Eastern sahlab dessert topped with crushed pistachios, shredded coconuts, and dried rose petals

Sahlab Dessert Recipe

Fatimah Alghweir
Sahlab is a milk pudding from the Middle East. It is the ultimate cold-weather dessert drink and an ideal comfort food for chilly nights. It is a creamy, lightly sweetened, and aromatic drink that fills you with warmth and spiced flavors. The famous milk pudding drink is easy to make either as a drink or spooned dessert.
5 from 6 Ratings
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons orange blossom water
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 mastic rocks finely crushed

Garnish

  • Pistachio
  • Almonds
  • Coconut
  • Cinnamon
  • Rose petals

Instructions
 

  • Add all the ingredients into a pot.
  • Continue mixing with a spoon to make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved and is not chunky (add more cornstarch if you want to eat it with a spoon like a looser pudding).
  • Turn on heat. Add the pot to a medium flame and let the mixture thicken, stirring constantly.
  • Stir until your desired thickness and serve hot in mugs and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon spice, ground pistachios, or other ground nuts on each serving.
  • I like to drink it but some people like to eat it with a spoon.

Notes

  • You can use any of your favorite nuts or seeds. Cinnamon spice is also a great topping option too.
  • Be careful when using orange blossom water. Too much of it will make sahlab taste soapy.
  • To make your sahlab lump-free, mix the cornstarch and the milk while it is still cold.
  • If you prefer sahlab of a more subtle consistency, you can omit the rosewater and add orange blossom water instead.
  • Add toppings of your choice, including almond, hazelnut, sesame, pistachio, walnut, and other nuts.
Keyword sahlab, sahlab dessert, sahlab pudding, sahlab recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

9 Responses

  1. 5 stars
    Loved this recipe! I made sahlab last night with my son. we both devoured it and it kept us warm. Definitely a Palestinian delight. Must try!

  2. 5 stars
    I’ve followed this recipe several times and it is always perfect. It’s a perfect drink for a cold day. Definitely falls under comfort foods category.

  3. 5 stars
    I tried this for the family on the weekend and it was amazing. They loved it! It was very easy to make and tasted way better than the ready mix i get from the store. It is just what you need on a cozy night at home.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




About Me

Hi, I'm Fatimah!

I’m here to guide you through the world of Palestinian cooking with a modern twist. Whether you’re longing for those nostalgic meals you grew up with or looking to try something new and international, you’ll find recipes here that connect the past with the present—all designed to be easy, approachable, and packed with flavor. Let’s bring the heart of home-cooked meals back into your kitchen!

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter for update informations, recipes or insight

Latest Recipes

Popular Recipes

Untitled design (20)
5 from 95 Ratings

10-Min Multi-Use Dough

Ten Minute Dough is super easy and extra versatile. With all-purpose flour, yeast, milk, baking powder, salt, and sugar, you will get the best dough to make
5 from 55 Ratings

Nescafe Cake (Ice Box Coffee Cake)

Nescafe Cake (Ice Box Coffee Cake) is meant to reveal the cake-maker inside you. It is a no-fail, cold dessert made out of layers of indulging cream
5 from 33 Ratings

Best Marinade For Baked Chicken

A fantastic chicken marinade that infuses chicken with savory flavor as well as making it extra juicy and tender. Make it an option for your family and