Explore the flavors of Kazakhstan with Kumys Shal, a traditional dish made from fermented camel milk. Similar to kumis but with a distinctive taste, this beverage offers a delightful blend of tartness and richness. Experience the nomadic traditions of the region in every sip of this culturally rich drink.

Here's a simple recipe for making Kazakhstan Kumys Shal at home:

Ingredients:

 - 1 quart fresh camel milk

 - 1/4 cup kefir grains or previous batch of Kumys Shal

 - Sugar or honey (optional, for sweetening)

 - Flavorings such as vanilla or cardamom (optional)

Instructions:

1- Pour the camel milk into a clean glass container.

2- Add the kefir grains or a small amount of previously made Kumys Shal to the milk.

3- Cover the container loosely with a cloth or paper towel and secure it with a rubber band.

4- Allow the mixture to ferment at room temperature (around 68-77°F or 20-25°C) for 24-48 hours, depending on your desired level of fermentation. Stir the mixture once or twice a day.

5- Taste the Kumys Shal after 24 hours. If it's not tangy enough, let it ferment for another 12-24 hours.

6- Once the Kumys Shal reaches your desired level of fermentation, remove the kefir grains or strain out any solids.

7- If desired, sweeten the Kumys Shal with sugar or honey, and add flavorings such as vanilla or cardamom.

8- Refrigerate the Kumys Shal for at least 4 hours before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Note: Fermentation time can vary based on factors like temperature and the activity of the kefir grains. Adjust the fermentation time to achieve your preferred flavor.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in Kazakhstan Kumys Shal, based on standard nutritional information for camel milk and kefir grains:

1 Quart Fresh Camel Milk:

- Calories: 300 kcal

- Fat: 15 g

- Carbohydrates: 15 g

- Protein: 15 g

Benefits:

 - Protein: High-quality protein for muscle repair and growth.

 - Fat: Contains beneficial unsaturated fats and is often easier to digest than cow's milk.

 - Calcium: Excellent source of calcium for bone health.

 - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamins B12, C, D, and minerals like iron and zinc.

 - Digestibility: Easier to digest due to smaller fat globules and different protein structures compared to cow's milk.

1/4 Cup Kefir Grains or Previous Batch of Kumys Shal:

- Calories: Minimal contribution per serving

- Fat: Minimal contribution

- Carbohydrates: Minimal contribution

- Protein: Minimal contribution

Benefits:

 - Probiotics: Introduces beneficial bacteria that support gut health and improve digestion.

 - Fermentation: Kefir grains or Kumys Shal start the fermentation process, creating a tangy flavor and increasing the probiotic content.

 - Digestibility: Fermentation can make milk proteins easier to digest.

Sugar or Honey (Optional, for Sweetening):

- Calories:

 - Sugar: 16 kcal per teaspoon

 - Honey: 21 kcal per teaspoon

- Fat: 0 g

- Carbohydrates:

 - Sugar: 4 g per teaspoon

 - Honey: 5.7 g per teaspoon

- Protein: 0 g

Benefits:

 - Flavor: Adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of fermented milk.

 - Energy: Provides a quick source of energy.

Flavorings such as Vanilla or Cardamom (Optional)

Vanilla:

 - Calories: 12 kcal per teaspoon of extract

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds a pleasant aroma and flavor; vanilla contains antioxidants.

Cardamom:

 - Calories: 6 kcal per teaspoon

 - Fat: 0.3 g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5 g

 - Protein: 0.2 g

Benefits: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor; may aid digestion and have antioxidant properties.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands or preparation methods.