Authentic Mongolian Airag: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

10 Liters of fresh mare's milk
1 Traditional Leather bag (Khirseg) for fermenting
1 Wooden spoon

Steps and instructions

Milk the mares early in the morning. This is traditionally done by the women in the family.
Carry the milk in a bucket or other container to your home or ger (Mongolian tent).
Pour the milk into the Khirseg, the traditional Mongolian leather bag used for fermenting Airag.
Stir the milk with a wooden spoon. This is typically done by the men in the family, and it's done several times throughout the day for several days.
Allow the milk to ferment in the Khirseg for two to three days, stirring occasionally. The fermentation process turns the lactose in the milk into alcohol.
After the fermentation is complete, the Airag is ready to be served. It's traditionally served in a bowl. You can drink it straight, or use it in cooking as a flavoring.

Tools for making

Bucket or container - Used to carry the freshly milked mares' milk to your home or ger.
Khirseg - A traditional Mongolian leather bag used for fermenting Airag.
Wooden spoon - Used to stir the milk during the fermentation process.

Recipe variations

Add a pinch of salt or sugar to the milk before fermenting for a slightly different flavor.
Experiment with different ratios of mare's milk to cow's milk for a milder taste.
Add a small amount of crushed berries or fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or apricots for a fruity twist.
For a creamy texture, try adding a spoonful of yogurt or sour cream to the milk before fermenting.
Infuse the milk with herbs or spices like mint, cinnamon, or cardamom to add aromatic flavors.
Try using a different type of animal milk, such as goat's milk or sheep's milk, for a unique taste.

Recipe overview

Airag is a traditional Mongolian beverage, made from fermented mare's milk. This unique drink is a staple in Mongolian culture and has been enjoyed throughout the country for centuries. Making Airag involves a simple, but time-consuming process. It requires only mare's milk, a traditional leather bag known as a Khirseg for fermenting, and a wooden spoon for stirring. The end result is a mildly alcoholic, tangy beverage that can be enjoyed straight or used in cooking. Get ready to embark on a cultural journey with this intriguing Mongolian brewing tradition.

Common questions

Is mare's milk the only type of milk that can be used to make Airag? No, traditionally mare's milk is used, but in some variations, cow's or goat's milk can be used as well.
How do I know if the mare's milk is fresh? Fresh mare's milk should have a slightly sweet taste and a creamy consistency. It should not have any off smells or flavors.
What if I don't have a traditional leather bag (Khirseg)? If you don't have a Khirseg, you can use a food-grade plastic container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid for fermenting the milk.
Can I use a metal spoon for stirring the milk? It is recommended to use a wooden spoon for stirring the milk as it does not react with the fermentation process. Metal spoons can sometimes affect the taste.
How long does the fermentation process take? The fermentation process usually takes around 2 to 3 days, but it can vary depending on the temperature and other factors. It is important to stir the milk regularly during this time.
What does Airag taste like? Airag has a tangy, slightly sour taste with a hint of sweetness. It can be compared to a light alcoholic beverage with a unique flavor profile.

Serving dishes and utensils

Bowl - Used for serving Airag.
Cups or glasses - Used for individual servings of Airag.
Strainer - Optional tool for straining Airag to remove any solids or lumps.
Refrigerator - Helpful for chilling Airag before serving.

Origin stories

Airag, the national beverage of Mongolia, is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the nomadic people who have roamed the Central Asian steppes for centuries. Made from the fermented milk of mares, the production of Airag is a summer tradition, coinciding with the peak lactation period of the mares. Every year, thousands of Mongolians head to the countryside to partake in the age-old tradition of Airag making, a process that involves milking the mares, fermenting the milk in a leather bag, and stirring it up to 1000 times a day. Despite its demanding preparation, Airag holds a special place in the hearts of Mongolians. Not only is it a refreshing beverage, but it's also a symbol of their nomadic culture and a link to their illustrious past. Each sip of Airag is a taste of a lifestyle that thrives in harmony with nature and the changing seasons.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.