Just one walk up the street in Yafo, Israel and you’ll see loads of stands selling sahlav. Sahlav is a very popular winter beverage in the region. As an example to its popularity, the export of real sahlav out of Turkey is illegal because they are running out of wild orchids, its main ingredient.  Now you can make it from home! For other beverages from Israel, browse our tea gallery.

Ingredients: 

· 1 1/2 tablespoons Sahlav powder or 2 tablespoons cornstarch 
· 4 cups milk 
· 3 tablespoons sugar, or to taste 
· 2 teaspoons rose or orange-blossom water (optional) 
· 2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios 
· Ground cinnamon 

Preparation: 

Mix the Sahlav powder or cornstarch with a few tablespoons of milk. Bring the remaining milk to a boil. Pour in the starch mixture, stirring vigorously, so that lumps do not form. Cook over very low heat, stirring continuously, until the milk thickens (about 10 minutes). Then stir in the sugar and the rose water or orange blossom water, if you so desire. 

Serve in cups with the chopped pistachios and cinnamon as garnish. You may also sprinkle grated coconut on top. 

For Israeli coffee straight from Israel, check out our coffee gallery.