Salep (Turkish Hot Orchid-Root Drink)

Salep is a thick, milky Turkish winter drink thickened with ground orchid tuber, giving it a uniquely silky, almost stretchy texture found in no other hot drink. Dusted with cinnamon, it’s the cold-weather comfort drink sold from steaming carts across Istanbul.

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons salep powder
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Ground cinnamon, for topping

Instructions

1. Combine
   In a saucepan, whisk the salep powder into 1/2 cup of the cold milk until fully dissolved with no lumps.
2. Heat
   Add the remaining milk and sugar. Warm over medium-low heat, whisking often, for 8-10 minutes, until thickened to a texture like heavy cream and just below a simmer.
3. Finish
   Stir in the vanilla if using. Pour into warm mugs.
4. Serve
   Dust generously with ground cinnamon and serve immediately, while hot.

True salep powder can be hard to find outside Turkish or Middle Eastern grocers, look for it labeled “sahlep” as well.