Juju Dhau Delight

Juju Dhau, known as the "King of Yogurt," hails from the historic city of Bhaktapur, Nepal. This rich and creamy yogurt has been a staple of Newari culture for centuries, often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations. Made by fermenting buffalo milk, this delicacy boasts unparalleled thickness and flavor, often enriched with the aroma of cardamom and the sweetness of sugar. Today, we explore a delightful version of this traditional dish, perfect for savoring as a dessert or a special treat.

Ingredients

• Buffalo milk - 1 liter
• Sugar - 100 grams
• Cardamom - 5 pods
• Yogurt culture - 2 tablespoons
• Chopped nuts (optional) - 50 grams
• Honey (for drizzling)

Preparation

Before you start, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Make sure the buffalo milk is fresh, as the quality of milk directly affects the end result of your Juju Dhau.

Step 1: Boil the Milk

Begin by pouring 1 liter of buffalo milk into a heavy-bottomed pan. Add 100 grams of sugar to the milk. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan, and bring it to a gentle boil. The milk should simmer for about 20 minutes. For precise timing, consider using a cooking timer.

Step 2: Infuse with Cardamom

As the milk boils, crush 5 cardamom pods to release their aroma. Add the crushed pods to the simmering milk, allowing the flavors to infuse thoroughly.

Step 3: Cool and Culture

After boiling, allow the milk to cool to a lukewarm temperature. Dunk a clean fingertip in to check the heat; it should feel warm but not hot. At this point, remove the cardamom pods.

Add 2 tablespoons of yogurt culture to the milk and stir well to ensure it's evenly distributed. If you're new to fermenting, mixing thoroughly is vital for setting the yogurt.

Step 4: Fermentation

Transfer the mixture into earthenware pots or containers as their porous nature aids the fermentation process. Cover the pots with a cloth or lid and let them sit in a warm place for 6-8 hours or until the yogurt is set. To monitor the fermentation time, it's useful to have a cooking timer at hand.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Juju Dhau is perfectly set, it's time to enhance it further:

• Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for a delightful crunch.
• Drizzle with honey for added sweetness and a golden touch.

Juju Dhau Delight can be enjoyed chilled as a standalone dessert or paired with Newari feasts. Its thick, creamy texture and subtle spices make it a versatile dish, able to charm any palate. Savor this treat with loved ones during celebratory gatherings or simply indulge yourself on a quiet evening.