Salep
(also known as Sahlep)
1 tbsp Salep, dried powdered roots of a mountain orchid (see below for more info)
1 teacup of milk, cold
Pinch of nutmeg
Garnish:
Cinnamon, powdered
Place Salep in a small saucepan. Slowly add the cold milk and nutmeg, stirring constantly over low heat. When it reaches a smooth consistency, remove from the stove.
Pour into a teacup and sprinkle some cinnamon on top. Serve while still hot.
What is Salep?
Turkey is the major Salep producing country. Salep is made from the dried powdered roots of a mountain salep orchid in the Eastern Mediterranean woods. Salep is a traditional Turkish hot drink which was also served during the reign of the Ottoman empire. The roots are rich in starch and the mixture thickens naturally. You can still taste salep, in summer time; famous Turkish Maraş ice cream is also made from salep!... it has a great aroma and smells delicious:)
We love to drink Salep on cold days. It also has medicinal traits, such as for sore throats. It has been used for a long time to treat chronic diarrhea, digesting problems and gum disease.
You can purchase Salep from local Turkish Grocery Stores or the following website: Tulumba.com.
Labels: Drinks
28 Comments:
No sugar?
It has sugar in it:)
Do you mean salep has sugar in it already?
The only missing ingredient ıs milk in this powder mixture. If you like, you can always add extra sugar in it.
Okay, I guess you did not use real salep. You used one of those mixes which includes everything but milk.
It is not easy to find real Salep out of Turkey:)
thank you! I have been wondering how to make it. I lived in Adana 8yrs. ago and haven't had since.
This must be the reason:
"The popularity of salep in Turkey has led to a decline in the populations of wild orchids. As a result it is illegal to export true salep out of the country. Thus, many instant salep mixes are made with artificial flavoring."
Wikipedia
Great post Binnur. I'd like to correct the last comment made by a user. Salep drink is being exported from Turkey. Currently I can buy imported Turkish Salep in the USA from my favorite online Turkish Store.
What is the name of the store? Cause I cannot find Salep here in Denmark, and I want to find it so much!
They probably meant Tulumba.com
You may find Salep at the Turkish groceries in Denmark:)
I am from Canada, does anyone know where I can buy salep from? not the powdered drink mix.
i am from portugal, but my husband turkish, i love salep, anyone knows where i can buy it in portugal or any site?
Merhaba Binnur!
I made my first attempt at Salep last night. It seems like it will be very good for my daughter who will soon have her tonsils out and for myself who will also be having stomach surgery at the same time! How comforting! My only question is how thick should it be? I actually thinned it because the box called for 3 "tea spoons" and I do not know if they mean regular "tsp" (5ml) or if it is a guess your teaspoon size. But when I read your ratio the mixture seems like it would be rather thick, like a custard before it has set. Is this correct?
teşekkür etmek!
Sevgilim,
Suzy
Merhaba Suzy:)
Custard is too thick so I'd rather add a little bit more milk into the egg nog consistency, like you did, it depends on how you like it:)
The size of the teaspoon is equal to what we use here which is 5 ml.
Sevgilerimle:)
I love this. I remember how on cold winter days, sailing up the Bosphorus on the ferry boat sipping this delicious drink. It is over 40 years since I was there (I'm from Australia and married a wonderful Turkish boy (man now :) and love to cook him some of his favourite Turkish recipes. Thank you for this wonderful site.
Thanks, Binnur. Now I know what is in Salep. I've had it a couple of times and all the waiters can say is 'it is made of milk' but I knew that there must have been something else in it as it was so thick. I've had the version above but also one where they added raisins and sprinkled dessicated coconut on top. It was like a meal! Very filling! I am going to the Turkish supermarket to see if I can get the mix.
i loooove sahlep,its been a long time i didnt have any:( reminds me of cold winter days and my childhood in turkey:)hopefully i could find in a turkish store.
Please help.........
Im from Latvia, but some time ago in Greece i try, i think Salep.... The man on street sell hot drink- calling 'salep'. Im love it, taste very good, spacy and sweet :). the color of drink has not be white, but something like liquid. This is Salep????? Help... I found at ebay thing named -PURE SAHLAB SALEP ORCHID BEVERAGE 160g / 5.7oz EXOTIC, this is magical herb??? ... Hope to drink it again
Thanks ;)
Hi Girts,
Salep is a traditional Ottoman-Turkish drink and it is delicious:) But I can't tell you "yes, they are the same". For example, Tarhana is also a traditional Ottoman-Turkish soup. But, the Tarhana Soup in Greece is quite different than the original one:)
can i use different kind of orchid or just one particular kind? what kind of orchid is that?
Hi Tommy,
It should be Salep Orchid which are Orchis mascula, Orchis militaris. When you google these names you will find the pictures of the orchids:)
Maria, Denmark has regions with wild Salep growing. Called Salep-gøgeurt. You should be able to utilize for a Salep drink.
Hii im ayesha and i want to make this drink but i live in england were it is really hard to find salep i cant order it from internet either cause im only 14 is there substitute to the salep leaves i really want to make this drink
Hi Ayesha:)
You can find salep in Turkish stores if you have any your area and I hope there is one close to you:)
Happy Holidays!
Had this yesterday at Konya before viewing the Whirling Dervish performance........Loved it! Such a healthy and diet friendly alternative to American Eggnog.
Hi!
I visited my local Turkish Food Centre (TFC) yesterday to buy some salep, the bloke took me over to 'Sahlep' the powdered drink stuff!
Are you sure they sell it in England?
Hi Emine,
I am not sure if it is sold in England, however, you can use the powdered form of Sahlep by simply following the instructions on the label:)
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