Serving the Guest: A Sufi Cookbook
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Sahlab
Sahlab is the dried root of orchis mascula, used to make a beverage of subtle flavor and consistency enjoyed throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. The powdered root can be found at Middle Eastern specialty shops.
Orchis mascula
Total time: 10 minutes
8 cups milk, in all
1 heaping tbsp. sahlab powder
2 tbsp. finely chopped pistachios
Cinnamon

Combine the sahlab powder with ¼ cup milk and mix well. Gently heat 7-¾ cups of milk, then whisk the sahlab into the pot. Stir constantly for 5-10 minutes until it thickens.

Pour the sahlab into cups, and garnish with chopped pistachios and a sprinkling of cinnamon.