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Egyptian Sobia Drink is a starchy, milky sweet coconut drink, that is really a thirst-quenching drink.
What is Sobia?
Sobia is a traditional Egyptian drink made from rice, milk, coconut milk, and sugar. Flavored with vanilla, it is served very fresh, with crushed ice.
Halfway between a drink and a dessert, Sobia is a recipe that is rich in flavors and very tasty. Its slightly thick texture and sweet taste give it a very comforting side. In Egypt, children love it.
Sobia is found in Egypt all year long. However, Muslim Egyptians enjoy this drink the most during the Holy month of Ramadan as they break their fast with this refreshing drink.
When it is time to break the fast according to the Ramadan tradition, families gather around a real feast, where delicious dishes and pastries alike are served. Sobia is then one of the central elements of the table.
Its freshness is all the more appreciated when the religious celebration takes place during the intense heat of the summer season.
For the sacred month, Sobia is sold in plastic bottles by street vendors, on stands, stalls, and in juice bars.
It is also common to see the famous drink offered in a plastic bag, closed with a rubber band. To open it, people just punch a small hole in the bottom of the bag.
Sobia Drink Recipe
In Egypt, Sobia recipes are very much shared among families, which explains why the preparation process varies slightly from one household to another.
There are so many different ways to make Sobia, but it generally consists of coconut milk, rice, rice water, vanilla, and sugar.
It can also be made from Sobia powder which is sold in Egyptian markets. You can make Sobia drink by just adding water to the powder. Some places mix Sobia with mango or strawberry juice, and it is super yummy!
The most authentic method to make this Sobia drink is to boil the rice in water until it has completely evaporated.
Thus, after adding the other ingredients and switching to the blender and then to the cheesecloth, you obtain a creamy texture as desired thanks to the overcooking of the rice.
Below is the step-by-step recipe on how to make the Sobia Drink. If you love this drink recipe, check out this article on 10 Amazing Traditional African Drinks You Need To Try.
Egyptian Sobia Drink
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dry uncooked rice
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar more or less depending on your liking
- 1/4 cup powdered milk
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder
Instructions
- Grind the rice to fine powder.
- Combine water and rice powder in a bowl and let it set for at least six hours in the fridge.
- Add the rice water and the rest of the ingredients in a blender.
- Blend very well – might take you 3-4 minutes until well combined.
- Strain with cheese cloth, coffee filter or tea strainer.
- Chill and serve.
