Shurugan
Shurugan is a unique and comforting Kyrgyz milk soup, traditionally made with fried onions simmered in milk with salt. It's often served over pieces of flatbread, making it a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights dairy in Kyrgyz cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Ghee or Butter
- 2 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 1 liter Milk(whole milk recommended)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 2 pieces Flatbread (e.g., Lavash, Naan)(torn into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp Fresh greens (optional)(chopped, for garnish or to add in warmer seasons)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, melt the ghee or butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they are golden brown and softened, about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- 2
Pour the milk into the saucepan with the fried onions. Add salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- 3
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to slightly thicken. Stir occasionally.
- 4
While the soup simmers, tear the flatbread into bite-sized pieces and place them at the bottom of serving bowls.
- 5
Ladle the hot shurugan soup over the flatbread in the bowls. The flatbread will absorb some of the broth.
- 6
Garnish with fresh chopped greens if desired, especially if using them in place of some of the onions as per some variations.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using whole milk will result in a creamier soup.
- ✓Fry the onions slowly to achieve a deep golden color and sweet flavor, which is key to the soup's taste.
- ✓In warmer seasons, some variations use fresh greens like dill or parsley instead of or in addition to onions.
- ✓The flatbread at the bottom is essential for soaking up the flavorful broth.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of black pepper for a subtle kick.
- Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the soup during the last few minutes of simmering for a fresher taste, especially in spring/summer.
- Some might add a small amount of fried cereal grains for texture.