Zrig (Mauritanian Sweet Milk Drink)
Local name: الزريك
In short: A cold, lightly sweet drink of milk, sour milk and water, a Mauritanian favorite for breaking the fast and cooling off in desert heat. It takes about 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 155 kcal
Zrig is one of Mauritania's oldest drinks, made from fresh or soured milk thinned with water and sweetened a little. Camel milk is the traditional choice, though cow's milk is used more often now. It is served chilled, especially during Ramadan, when families drink it at sunset after dates and again before dawn. The sourness of the yogurt keeps it refreshing, and a small glass is filling.
Instructions
- Put the yogurt and sugar in a large jug and whisk until the sugar dissolves and the yogurt is smooth.
- Pour in the milk and water slowly, whisking, until the drink looks even and slightly frothy.
- Taste and add more sugar if you like. It should be lightly sweet with a clear sour edge.
- Chill for at least 1 hour, or until very cold.
- Stir again before pouring, since it settles on standing. Serve in small glasses, with ice if you like.
Tips
- Use fresh, pasteurized milk or camel milk from a trusted source. Avoid raw milk for children, pregnant women or older people.
- For a tangier drink, use more yogurt and less milk. For a thinner one, add a little more water.
Questions and answers
Is zrig the same as lassi or ayran?
It is similar in idea, a cold diluted milk drink, but zrig is milder and usually lightly sweet. Lassi is thicker and ayran is salted.
How long does zrig keep?
It keeps for 2 days covered in the fridge. Stir before serving.
Can I make it with camel milk?
Yes. Use camel milk in place of the cow's milk, and keep the yogurt for sourness. It is available from some specialty shops.
How long does it take to make Zrig (Mauritanian Sweet Milk Drink)?
About 10 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Zrig (Mauritanian Sweet Milk Drink)?
About 155 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 18 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 155 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 85 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
