Salep Turkish Hot Milk Drink

Name: Salep Turkish Hot Milk Drink
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups milk; 1 Tbsp salep powder; 1 tsp sugar (adjust to taste); ½ tsp cinnamon - to garnish

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Do you, like me, love to curl up to a warm cozy drink on a chilly evening? If so, then salep (Turkish hot milk with cinnamon is just the drink for you)!

Salep is a drink I always make for my family during the cold winter months. Not only is it cozy, but it is also very easy to make.

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what is salep?

Salep (also known as Sahlab), is a traditional beverage and ingredient made from the ground tubers of orchids, particularly from the genus Orchis.

It has its origins in the Middle East and Asia Minor, where it has been consumed for centuries.

The process of making salep involves mixing dried orchid tubers with milk or water. This is then heated until it thickens.

The result is a creamy and aromatic beverage that is often flavored with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Regarding taste, salep has a mild, slightly nutty flavor.

salep powder

Salep powder is increasingly difficult to find nowadays due to the overharvesting of wild orchids, leading to a decline in orchid populations, particularly in Turkey, where it's traditionally sourced.

As a result, the sale of genuine salep, which is rare and often expensive, is restricted in many countries.

What is often sold as "salep" might be a substitute made from other starches.

ingredients you will need

Below is a summary of the ingredients you will need. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

salep powder - you can find salep in specialty Middle Eastern or Turkish stores, as well as online stores such as Amazon.
milk
sugar - to taste.
cinnamon - to garnish.

what to do if you cannot find authentic Salep powder

Use cornstarch if you cannot get hold of salep powder. It will still give you that creamy texture, with just a slight difference in taste.

Alternatively, you can use store-bought salep. In this case, go easy on the sugar and add it last, as most store-bought powders come loaded with sugar.

You can also adjust the amount of sugar to suit your preference, or omit it entirely.

how to make it

In a thick-bottomed pot, mix salep powder, milk, and sugar until well combined.

Heat the mixture over low-medium heat, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. It’s important to cook the drink over low-medium heat to avoid burning.

Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency, which should take about 10-15 minutes.

Once thickened, pour the hot salep into individual cups, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, and serve immediately.

storing leftovers

If you have some leftover salep, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking constantly, or use the microwave to warm it up.

useful tips

Make it dairy-free: use almond milk or your favourite plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
Add a flavor variation: for an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of rose water or orange blossom water to the mixture while it’s heating.
Garnish: not a fan of cinnamon? Substitute with ground nutmeg or ginger.

frequently asked questions

Is salep gluten-free?

Yes, authentic salep made from the ground tubers of orchids is naturally gluten-free. However, if you’re purchasing commercial salep or a salep mix, it’s important to check the label, as some products might contain additives or fillers that are not gluten-free.
Always verify the ingredients to ensure there’s no gluten contamination, especially if you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.

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