Salep — Turkish Winter Milk Drink
Warm, gently thickened milk scented with cinnamon: the classic Turkish winter drink made with salep powder.
Serves 4 small cups • Prep 3 minutes • Cook 10–15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
• 750 ml whole milk
• 10 g pure food-grade salep powder, or the amount specified by its producer
• 25 g sugar, adjusted to taste
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, for serving
METHOD
1. Mix the salep powder and sugar in a saucepan.
2. Whisk in the cold milk gradually to prevent lumps.
3. Warm over low heat, stirring continuously, for 10–15 minutes until smooth and lightly thickened. Do not let it catch on the bottom.
4. Pour into small cups and dust with cinnamon.
SERVING
Serve warm and drinkable, not set like pudding. Pure salep varies in strength; follow the producer’s guidance. Sweetened instant mixtures need different quantities.
CULTURAL NOTE
This milk drink is enjoyed across Türkiye in cold weather. Choose legally sourced cultivated salep; starch-only versions are substitutes.
SOURCES
Adapted from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Salep recipe.
