🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Uzbeks

Uzbeks are a mainly settled farming people of the oases and valleys of Central Asia, although some of their ancestors had herding traditions. Milk here is mostly from cows, sheep and goats, and in the hot climate it is almost always soured.

Katyk, a thick sour milk, is eaten and drunk every day, stirred into soups and served with plov. Suzma, strained katyk, is as firm as a soft cheese; it is mixed with herbs or added to dishes. Kurt, dried salty balls made from suzma, is a favorite snack, especially in summer. Kaymak, a thick cream eaten with flatbread and tea for breakfast, is also common.

Dairy on the table is a sign of hospitality: the dastarkhan is set with flatbreads, kaymak, katyk and sweets. Many of these products are now sold in markets and shops.