Discover Tsagaan Idee, a traditional Mongolian culinary tradition featuring an array of white foods like cheese, milk, and yogurt. These dishes are often served during special occasions and celebrations. Explore our recipe to learn how to prepare and enjoy these essential elements of Mongolian cuisine.

Ingredients:

White Cheese (Tsuivan):

 - 1 liter milk

 - 1/4 cup lemon juice or white vinegar

 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

Yogurt (Aaruul):

 - 1 liter milk

 - 2 tablespoons plain yogurt with live cultures

Milk (Tsai):

 - 1 liter fresh milk

 - Optional: sugar or honey to taste

Instructions:

Prepare White Cheese (Tsuivan)

 - Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 85°C (185°F).

 - Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.

 - Strain the curds through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, pressing to remove excess whey.

 - Sprinkle salt over the curds and mix gently. Transfer to a container and refrigerate.

Prepare Yogurt (Aaruul):

 - Heat milk in a saucepan to 43°C (110°F).

 - Remove from heat and stir in plain yogurt. Cover with a lid or towel.

 - Let it sit in a warm place for 6-12 hours, or until thickened.

 - Refrigerate the yogurt before serving.

Prepare Milk (Tsai):

 - Heat fresh milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed.

 - Sweeten with sugar or honey if desired. Serve warm or chilled.

Enjoy Tsagaan Idee as a delightful way to celebrate special occasions with these traditional Mongolian white foods!

Nutritional Values:

White Cheese (Tsuivan) Ingredients:

Milk (1 liter)

  - Calories: 640 kcal

  - Protein: 32 g

  - Fat: 34 g

  - Carbohydrates: 48 g

  - Calcium: 1,200 mg

  - Vitamin D, B12, A: Milk provides a range of vitamins including B12 (for nerve health), Vitamin D (for bone health), and Vitamin A (for vision and immune function).

Benefits: Milk is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. It also provides calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for bone and dental health.

Lemon Juice or White Vinegar (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 15 kcal (lemon juice), 0 kcal (white vinegar)

  - Carbohydrates: 5 g (lemon juice), 0 g (white vinegar)

Benefits: Lemon juice and vinegar are acidic and help in the coagulation process of making cheese. Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. Vinegar has potential benefits in regulating blood sugar and may aid in digestion.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Sodium: 1,150 mg

Benefits: While salt is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Yogurt (Aaruul) Ingredients:

Plain Yogurt with Live Cultures (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: 10 kcal

  - Protein: 1 g

  - Fat: 0.5 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Probiotics: Contain live cultures that are beneficial for gut health, aid in digestion, and support the immune system.

Benefits: Yogurt provides a source of probiotics, which help maintain healthy gut flora, potentially improving digestion, and supporting immune function.

Milk (Tsai) Ingredients:

Optional: Sugar or Honey (to taste)

  - Sugar (1 teaspoon): ~16 kcal, ~4 g carbohydrates

  - Honey (1 teaspoon): ~21 kcal, ~5.8 g carbohydrates

Benefits:

Honey: Contains antioxidants and may have antibacterial properties. It is a natural sweetener that can soothe coughs and may improve digestion.

  - Caution: Both honey and sugar should be consumed in moderation to prevent excessive calorie intake and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.