πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Ώ Uzbek Cuisine

Suzma

Strained Yogurt

Prep Time 12 hours
Servings 6
Difficulty Easy
Calories 80 kcal

Thick, creamy strained yogurt with a tangy bite, seasoned with salt and fresh herbs, served as a refreshing condiment alongside rich meat dishes and pilafs.

Ingredients

  • 1kg full-fat natural yogurt
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Fresh dill, chopped
  • Fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1 Line a large strainer with doubled cheesecloth and set it over a deep bowl to catch the whey that drains out overnight.
  2. 2 Pour the full-fat yogurt into the cheesecloth-lined strainer, sprinkle with salt, then fold the cloth over the top loosely.
  3. 3 Refrigerate for eight to twelve hours, allowing the whey to drain slowly until the yogurt reduces by half and becomes very thick.
  4. 4 Transfer the thick strained yogurt to a clean bowl and fold in chopped fresh dill, mint, and optional minced garlic gently.
  5. 5 Season with black pepper and additional salt if needed, then stir until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mass.
  6. 6 Serve in a small bowl alongside plov, kebabs, or any rich meat dish β€” the tanginess provides essential contrast to fatty flavors.

Did You Know?

The whey drained from suzma is never wasted β€” Uzbek cooks use it to make refreshing drinks, tenderize meat, or feed to animals.

From The Culinary Codex — http://theculinarycodex.com/dish/uzbek/suzma/