Discovering the Delightful Taste of Juju Dhau: Nepal's King of Yogurts

Juju Dhau is a traditional and popular dessert in Nepal, particularly among the Newari community. It is a creamy and sweet yogurt made from buffalo milk and is often served in small clay pots. The yogurt is typically left to ferment for several hours, giving it a distinct sour taste.
The name Juju Dhau means "king of yogurts," and it is considered a delicacy in Nepal. It is often served during festivals, weddings, and other special occasions, and is also available in local markets throughout the year.
The process of making Juju Dhau is quite simple, but requires skill and patience. The buffalo milk is boiled and cooled to a lukewarm temperature, then mixed with a starter culture of yogurt. It is then left to ferment in a warm place for several hours, after which it is cooled and served.
Juju Dhau is not only delicious but also has health benefits, including being a good source of calcium and protein. If you visit Nepal, be sure to try this delectable dessert and experience a taste of the country's rich cultural heritage.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of buffalo milk
- 1/4 cup of yogurt (as a starter culture)
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- Small clay pots or bowls for serving
Instructions:
- Begin by heating the buffalo milk in a large pot over medium heat. Stir the milk occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Once the milk starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Keep stirring the milk to prevent it from boiling over.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool until it reaches a lukewarm temperature.
- In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt with a small amount of the lukewarm milk to make a starter culture.
- Add the starter culture to the pot of lukewarm milk and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into small clay pots or bowls, leaving a little room at the top for expansion during fermentation.
- Cover the pots or bowls with a clean cloth and place them in a warm place for 6-8 hours, or until the yogurt is set.
- Once the yogurt has set, remove the cloth and sprinkle some sugar and cardamom powder on top of each pot or bowl.
- Chill the Juju Dhau in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Juju Dhau is a delicious dessert that is enjoyed by people of all ages in Nepal. Its unique taste and creamy texture make it a popular treat for festivals, weddings, and other special occasions. Give this recipe a try and experience the taste of Nepal's "king of yogurts."