Kazakh Shubat (Fermented Camel-Milk Drink)

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Kazakh shubat, a pale fermented camel-milk drink in patterned ceramic bowls and a clear glass on a natural wood table.

Shubat is a traditional Kazakh fermented camel-milk drink with a pale color and gentle tang. This home-style version uses pasteurized camel milk and a yogurt starter.

Whisk the starter into the milk, let it ferment in a clean covered container, then chill and stir before serving.

Use pasteurized camel milk and a fresh plain yogurt starter. Keep the ferment covered, then refrigerate promptly once the flavor is lightly tangy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled in small bowls or glasses alongside savory pastries, flatbreads, or a light meal.

Kazakh shubat being poured from a clay pitcher into a ceramic cup beside a covered fermentation vessel, with no visible hands.

Recipe Notes

Keep refrigerated and use within 3 days. Fermentation time varies with room temperature; stop when the drink is lightly tangy rather than sharply sour.

Kazakh shubat, a pale fermented camel-milk drink in patterned ceramic bowls and a clear glass on a natural wood table.

Kazakh Shubat (Fermented Camel-Milk Drink)

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A pale, lightly tangy Kazakh fermented camel-milk drink made with a yogurt starter and served chilled.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Kazakh
Calories: 125

Ingredients
 
 

Shubat
  • 4 cups pasteurized camel milk room temperature
  • 1/2 cup plain whole-milk yogurt live-culture starter
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt optional

Equipment

  • Glass measuring jug
  • Whisk
  • Clean covered jar
  • Refrigerator-safe bottle

Method
 

Start the fermentation:
  1. Whisk the yogurt starter and optional salt into the camel milk until completely smooth. Pour into a clean covered jar, leaving a little headspace.
  2. Cover loosely and leave at cool room temperature for 18 to 24 hours, until lightly thickened and pleasantly tangy.
Chill and serve:
  1. Stir the fermented drink gently, seal the jar, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  2. Shake or stir before serving. Pour into small bowls or glasses and serve chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 7gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 95mgSugar: 9g

Notes

  • Ferment only with pasteurized milk and a clean vessel.
  • The finished drink should smell fresh and tangy, not sharply sour or unpleasant.