🇰🇿 Kazakh Cuisine

Irimshik

Sweet Dried Curd

Prep Time 20 min

Servings 8

Difficulty Medium

Calories 151 kcal

A crumbly, naturally sweet Kazakh cheese made by slowly cooking fresh milk with sour milk until golden curds form.

Ingredients

1 Pour fresh milk into a large pot and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2 Slowly pour in sour milk while stirring. The mixture will begin to curdle.
3 Continue cooking on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 1.5-2 hours.
4 As moisture evaporates, the curds will turn golden and caramelized from the natural milk sugars.
5 Strain through cheesecloth, pressing out excess moisture.
6 Spread on a tray to dry, or press into molds. Serve as a crumbly, sweet snack.

Did You Know?

The golden color of irimshik comes not from any additive but from the natural caramelization of lactose during the long, slow cooking process.