This drink is incredibly rich; if you’ve ever had a European hot chocolate, the thickness of this drink will probably remind you of that. But hot chocolate wasn’t my inspiration…I had sahlab in mind!
Sahlab is a starchy powder that’s made from dried orchids; it’s commonly used the Middle East as well as Turkey and Greece to make puddings or thick drinks, which are also called sahlab. These treats are sweetened, flavored with orange blossom water and/or rose water, and commonly garnished with pistachio, coconut, and/or a pinch of cinnamon. (For those who are interested, I have a full recipe for sahlab in my cookbook.)
Thick drinks made from sahlab are enjoyed hot, so they’re especially comforting and perfect for warming up during cold winter months. One chilly afternoon I wanted something warm, and sahlab came to mind…but I was also hungry and wanted something that would hold me over until dinner. This drink was perfect.
It’s very rich, so the small serving size is just right. It’s packed with nutrition; full of vitamins and minerals (from dates!), fiber, protein, and healthy fat, this drink is not only delicious, but healthy and completely satisfying as well.
- ¼ cup (40 g) raw, unsalted cashews (see note below)
- 2 Medjool dates, pitted and coarsely chopped
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pistachio oil (such as Vom Fass Pistachio Oil)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- ½ cup (120 ml) boiling water
- ½ teaspoon finely chopped pistachio, for garnish
- Add all ingredients (except the chopped pistachio) to a blender; put the lid on and let it sit for 2 minutes. (If your blender can’t take high temperature, put everything in a heat-safe bowl, cover the bowl, let it sit for 2 minutes, and then carefully pour it into a blender.)
- Process until smooth and creamy (be careful, it’s hot!).
- Pour into a small mug and sprinkle the pistachio on top; serve hot.
I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to 
Rosa says
March 8, 2013 at 5:46 amDelightful! That is such a great drink.
Cheers,
Rosa
Erica says
March 8, 2013 at 6:43 amThis is totally unique. Your blog has opened my eyes up to so many different ingredients I didn’t even know existed!
Faith says
March 8, 2013 at 9:13 amErica, You are so sweet, thank you so much!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
March 8, 2013 at 7:01 amThis sounds so fabulous. I love this idea!!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
March 8, 2013 at 9:54 amThis sounds AMAZING. Totally happening ASAP!
Lindsey @ Pas de Deux says
March 8, 2013 at 10:25 amOh my, YUM! I will be making this very, very soon!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
March 8, 2013 at 12:36 pmThis sounds so good, what a delicious breakfast!
Anna @ Tough Lipstick says
March 8, 2013 at 12:38 pmYou always have such unique recipes on here – this looks fantastic. Keep at girl!
Lucy says
March 8, 2013 at 2:28 pmWow, sahlab sounds delicious – I love discovering completely new dishes on your blog! This looks like a very comforting and soothing drink.
grace says
March 8, 2013 at 4:08 pmthick and creamy indeed! i’ve never had anything like this before, but i’d certainly be game to try!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
March 8, 2013 at 5:07 pmwhat a delicious drink. I have never heard about sahlab- your blog post is always so informational and beautiful :)
Sarah @ SimplyScrumptiousBySarah says
March 8, 2013 at 8:21 pmLooks Yummy!!
tania@mykitchenstories.com.au says
March 9, 2013 at 6:20 amWow very interesting drink, unique and healthy
zerrin says
March 10, 2013 at 2:30 pmFaith, this definitely sounds satisfying! I love salep and this one is an amazing alternative to it. You’re so creative! Love the combination! Would be great for breakfast too!
Allison (Spontaneous Tomato) says
March 10, 2013 at 4:22 pmThis sounds so delicious and decadent. And I love that it seems so creamy and rich without actually having any milk in it! Mmm… pistachios.
Hana says
March 11, 2013 at 3:23 amThis sounds and looks really delicious! Something totally up my alley. A question though…could you please suggest a substitute for the pistachio oil? I don’t think I can get that over here. Thanks!
Faith says
March 11, 2013 at 7:39 amHana, You could try this with any kind of nut or seed oil that you like the flavor of (such as hazelnut oil, pumpkin seed oil, etc.), or you could use a nut-flavored flavoring or extract (such as pistachio extract or hazelnut extract). Since the pistachio oil is only there for flavor, you could even skip it if you want; if you do so, maybe try the drink with roasted, unsalted cashews (instead of raw cashews) so the drink has more of a cashew flavor. Hope you enjoy it if you give it a try! :)
Kevin @ Closet Cooking says
March 11, 2013 at 7:02 pmThis would be a really tasty drinK
Jean says
March 18, 2013 at 9:48 pmThis type of drink is very new to me but boy, do I want to have a taste. Looking forward to trying this, Faith. :)