What are the different types of tarag?
Tarag is the Mongolian word for yogurt. The types are plain tarag from yak or cow milk, a very thick sheep-milk version called elgen tarag, and a kefir-like drinking version called isgelen tarag. A related dried curd, aaruul, is made from yogurt.
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In this article
What is tarag?
Tarag is the traditional yogurt of Mongolia, made mainly from yak or cow milk. Yak milk is favored because yaks are sturdy and suit Mongolia’s climate. Goat or sheep milk can be used but is rare, since milking those animals needs special conditions.
What are the types of tarag?
| Type | What it is |
|---|---|
| Plain tarag | Everyday yogurt from yak or cow milk |
| Elgen (liver) tarag | Very thick tarag from sheep milk, named because it sets like liver |
| Isgelen tarag | A drinking version, about 2 percent alcohol, closer to kefir |
| Aaruul | Hard dried curd made from strained yogurt; a related product, not a type of tarag |
How is tarag made?
Boil the milk, let it cool until warm to the touch, then stir in a spoonful from a previous batch. Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts both drive the fermentation, and it is ready in a few hours, which suited nomadic life.
How is tarag eaten?
Mostly plain, though fruit or berries can be added. It is also the base for aaruul, a hard dried curd made from strained yogurt.
What is isgelen tarag?
A kefir-like fermented drink with about 2 percent alcohol, made with a culture of lactic acid bacteria and yeast. Treat it as an alcoholic drink for age and driving rules.
Can you substitute it?
Plain unsweetened yogurt is the nearest everyday swap for plain tarag; plain kefir is the nearest for isgelen tarag.
People also ask
What is tarag?
The traditional Mongolian yogurt, made mainly from yak or cow milk.
What is elgen tarag?
A very thick tarag from sheep milk, called liver tarag because it sets so firm.
Is tarag alcoholic?
Plain tarag is not described as alcoholic; the drinking version, isgelen tarag, contains about 2 percent.
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