Discover the traditional taste of Kurut, a popular snack and seasoning from Central Asian cuisine. Our easy-to-follow recipe shows you how to make these unique dried, salted yogurt balls at home. Perfect for adding a tangy kick to your dishes or enjoying as a savory snack.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups plain yogurt

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for faster drying)

- 1 tablespoon dried herbs (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

Prepare the Yogurt:

  - Place the yogurt in a large bowl. Mix in the salt and baking soda (if using). Stir well to combine.

Shape the Kurut:

  - Using a spoon or your hands, form the yogurt mixture into small balls or lumps, about the size of a walnut. If you prefer, you can shape them into small discs.

Dry the Kurut:

  - Arrange the yogurt balls on a drying rack or a clean towel. Ensure they are spaced apart to allow air circulation.

  - Leave them in a well-ventilated, dry area. You can also use a dehydrator or an oven set to the lowest temperature to speed up the drying process.

  - Allow the Kurut to dry for 2-4 days, or until they are hard and completely dried out.

Store the Kurut:

  - Once dried, store the Kurut in an airtight container. They can be kept for several months in a cool, dry place.

Serve:

  - Enjoy Kurut as a snack on its own or crumbled into soups and salads for a tangy flavor boost. You can also use it as a seasoning for various dishes.

Nutritional values

Here’s the nutritional breakdown and benefits for each ingredient:

For the Recipe:

Plain Yogurt (2 cups)

 - Calories: Approximately 150

 - Protein: 8g

 - Carbohydrates: 12g

 - Fat: 8g

Total for 2 cups:

 - Calories: Approximately 300

 - Protein: 16g

 - Carbohydrates: 24g

 - Fat: 16g

Benefits: Provides a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics. Supports digestive health, bone health, and muscle function.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 0

 - Protein: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Baking Soda (1/4 teaspoon, optional)

 - Calories: 0

 - Protein: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Acts as a leavening agent. Helps with the texture and can speed up the drying process. Use sparingly to avoid a soapy taste.

Dried Herbs (1 tablespoon, optional)

 - Calories: Approximately 5-10 (varies by herb)

 - Protein: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds flavor without calories. Dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil can provide antioxidants and have potential anti-inflammatory properties.