Sahlab سحلب

Sahlab is a warming winter drink topped with a generous sprinkling of cinnamon. Libyan sahlab is greenish-grey in colour and and has the distinctive nutty flavour of qsab flour (pearl millet/دخن).

In other Arab countries and the region Sahlab is thickened with powdered orchid tubers or (less traditionally) cornstarch. Like Mahalabia (milk pudding) the drink is flavoured with nuts and flower water.

Ingredients
Serves 3

4 tablespoons pearl millet flour
1 mug cold water
2 mugs boiling water
3 tablespoons sugar

 Mix the pearl millet flour with a mug of water and start stirring it on low heat in a saucepan.

Pour the boiling water over the mix, stirring vigorously, so that lumps do not form.  Stir in the sugar.  Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens (5-10 minutes). 

Pour out in a mug and sprinkle with cinnamon. Drink hot!

Ramadan Apricot Drink: Qamar Al Din قمر الدين

Qamar Ed-Din is a  thick, sweet apricot drink which is made during Ramadan. Qamar ed-din is apricot paste which is spread in sheets and sundried, and the sheets can be bought in most oriental shops.

Ingredients 
Serves 6

1/2 pack of qamar ed-din
3 cups of water
Sugar to taste
Optional Flavourings:
1 tablespoon Orange blossom water
1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Cut into small pieces, put in a pot and pour about 3 cups of hot water on top, bring to boil  then turn of the heat. Allow to soak and dissolve for at least 1 hour. 

 Stir and strain through a sieve, or use a food processor to blend into a thick liquid.

Mix with water and sugar to suit your taste. Add Cinnamon or Orange blossom water if using.

Refrigerate, serve cool or chilled.