Moroccan · Drink
Hlba (Warming Fenugreek Drink)
Hlba is a warming, faintly bitter-sweet fenugreek drink taken during Ramadan and cold weather — fenugreek seeds simmered until soft, sweetened with honey and enriched with a little milk and spice. Traditionally valued as a tonic for strength and digestion, it is sipped hot and slow, especially at suhoor.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Easy
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp fenugreek seeds (helba)
- 700 ml water
- 300 ml milk
- 3 tbsp honey, to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Method
- 1
Rinse the seeds
Rinse the fenugreek seeds well to wash away surface bitterness.
- 2
Simmer
Simmer the seeds in the water for about 20 minutes until they soften and the liquid turns golden and slightly thick.
- 3
Add milk and spice
Add the milk, cinnamon and ginger and warm through gently without boiling hard.
- 4
Sweeten
Stir in honey to taste to balance the fenugreek's natural bitterness.
- 5
Serve
Strain if you prefer a clear drink, or leave the softened seeds in, and serve hot.
Chef's tips
- Rinsing and a good simmer both mellow fenugreek's bitterness; don't skip the rinse.
- Sweeten generously with honey — fenugreek needs it to become pleasantly bittersweet rather than harsh.
- Leaving the softened seeds in adds body and is the traditional way; strain them out for a smoother sip.
Frequently asked questions
What does hlba taste like?
It is warm, nutty and maple-like with a characteristic gentle bitterness, balanced by honey and milk into a comforting, tonic-like drink.
Why drink it in Ramadan?
Fenugreek is traditionally regarded as strengthening and good for digestion, making hlba a valued warming drink at suhoor and through the cold months.