Zhaya is a traditional Kazakh dish featuring tender sheep's lungs, seasoned with aromatic spices, and fried to perfection. Served with a generous portion of caramelized onions, it offers a unique and flavorful culinary experience, rich in cultural heritage and taste.

Here's a recipe for Zhaya, a traditional Kazakh dish made from sheep's lungs:

Ingredients:

 - 500g sheep's lungs

 - 2 large onions, thinly sliced

 - 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

 - 1 teaspoon paprika

 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander

 - Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Clean the sheep's lungs thoroughly, removing any excess fat or membranes. Cut them into small pieces.

2- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and translucent.

3- Add the chopped sheep's lungs to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and coriander. Stir well to combine.

4- Cook the lungs, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.

5- Serve the Zhaya hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this traditional Kazakh dish with bread or rice.

Nutritional Values:

Here's the approximate nutritional information for the main ingredients in the Zhaya recipe:

500g Sheep's Lungs:

  - Calories: 350 kcal

  - Fat: 10 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 60 g

Benefits:

   - High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.

   - Provides essential nutrients like iron, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.

   - Lower in fat compared to other organ meats.

2 Large Onions, Thinly Sliced:

  - Calories: 90 kcal

  - Fat: 0.2 g

  - Carbohydrates: 22 g

  - Protein: 2 g

Benefits:

   - Adds flavor and contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.

   - Provides vitamins C and B6, and minerals like manganese and potassium.

2-3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil:

  - Calories: 240 kcal

  - Fat: 28 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits:

   - Provides fat for cooking, contributing to the texture and flavor of the dish.

   - Depending on the type of oil, may offer additional health benefits (e.g., olive oil contains antioxidants).

Salt and Pepper to Taste:

Salt:

   - Calories: 0 kcal

   - Fat: 0 g

   - Carbohydrates: 0 g

   - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Enhances flavor and is essential for maintaining fluid balance and supporting nerve and muscle function.

Pepper:

   - Calories: 6 kcal per teaspoon

   - Fat: 0.3 g

   - Carbohydrates: 1.5 g

   - Protein: 0.2 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption.

1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin:

  - Calories: 8 kcal

  - Fat: 0.4 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0.4 g

Benefits:Contains antioxidants and may aid in digestion.

1 Teaspoon Paprika:

  - Calories: 6 kcal

  - Fat: 0.3 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.2 g

  - Protein: 0.3 g

Benefits:Provides antioxidants like vitamin A and adds a mild, sweet flavor.

1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander:

  - Calories: 5 kcal

  - Fat: 0.2 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0.2 g

Benefits:Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Fresh Herbs for Garnish (Optional):

  - Calories: 5 kcal per tablespoon

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0.5 g

Benefits:

   - Adds freshness and flavor.

   - Provides vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like iron and calcium.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.