Kazakhstan: Location and People
Kazakhstan’s situated in Central Asia, and it is the world’s largest landlocked country!
It is bordered by Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and a coastline along the Caspian Sea. A tiny part of it extends into Eastern Europe. The capital is Astana.
The landscape’s a mix of steppes, mountains, deserts, and forests. The country’s rich nomadic heritage and unique culture are reflected in its traditional Koshma uy (Yurt) dwellings. The country’s packed with mineral resources – oil, coal, and uranium, to name a few!
A few wonders of Kazakhstan
1. Baikonur Cosmodrome:
The Baikonur Cosmodrome is a legendary spaceport that’s been launching spacecraft into orbit since 1957. Located in the Kyzylorda region, it’s the world’s first and largest operational space launch facility. The cosmodrome’s still active today, with international crews launching to the International Space Station from its iconic launch pads.
2. The Altai Mountains: The Altai Mountains are a breathtaking range in eastern Kazakhstan, where snow-capped peaks meet lush forests and pristine lakes. This stunning landscape’s home to rare wildlife like snow leopards and golden eagles. Hike, ski, or simply soak in the natural beauty – the Altai Mountains are an adventurer’s paradise!
3. The Great Silk Road: Kazakhstan’s part of the ancient Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected East and West. Visit the historic cities of Turkestan and Taraz to experience the bustling markets, majestic mosques, and vibrant culture of the Silk Road era. It’s a journey through time, with tales of merchants, travelers, and conquerors.
4. Lake Kaindy: Lake Kaindy is a surreal natural wonder in the Tian Shan mountains. A 1911 earthquake created this stunning lake, with its eerie, submerged tree trunks rising from the crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by towering peaks and alpine meadows, Lake Kaindy’s a must-see destination for nature lovers and photographers.
People of Kazakhstan
The people of Kazakhstan are known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage. As a crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan’s population is a vibrant mix of ethnic groups, including Kazakhs, Russians, and many others. You’ll find a unique blend of traditional and modern influences in their daily lives, food, and celebrations.
Traditional Dress of Kazakhstan
The traditional dress of Kazakhstan reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and nomadic roots. The Kazakh national dress, known as ‘Kazak kostyum’, typically includes a long, loose-fitting tunic and trousers for men, and a long dress with a headdress for women. The dresses are often made from luxurious fabrics like silk and adorned with intricate embroidery, patterns, and traditional Kazakh motifs
Pulses and recipes
Kazakhstan’s got a history of wheat farming, but the challenging Central Asian terrain made agriculture tough. Pulses and beans weren’t traditionally a big part of their cuisine, and they’re often paired with meat when used.
We couldn’t find any traditional pulse-based recipes, so we got creative! We took Baursak, a classic Kazakh dessert made with flour, and modified it by combining mung bean flour with regular flour.
Mung bean flour’s packed with nutrients and flavor, so we think it’s a great substitute for wheat flour. Give it a try and let us know what you think! We at Dalonthetable thought it’d be a great idea to experiment with it and we’re excited to share with you.
Kazakh Baursak
Kazakh Baursak are traditional Kazakh fried dough balls or shapes, typically enjoyed as a sweet treat or snack. These crispy, golden bites are infused with a hint of vanilla and coated in powdered sugar, making them a delightful indulgence at gatherings and celebrations.
You need:
30 gm mung bean flour
30 gm flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp active dry yeast
1/8 cup milk
1/8 cup water
1 tsp vanilla
Refined oil for frying
½ cup of icing sugar
Method:
To make Kazakh Baursak,
- Mix dry ingredients: flour, mung bean flour, sugar, yeast, and butter.
- In another bowl, combine milk, water, and vanilla.
3. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and bring it all together into a soft dough.
4. Give it a good knead, then cover with a towel or cloth.
5. Let it rest for an hour or so, till it raises.
6. Dust the surface with flour, plunk the dough down, and give it a quick knead.
7. Roll it out evenly to– about 0.5 cm thick.
8. Cut the dough into various shapes and sizes using biscuit cutters, as you like.
9. Heat oil in a pan for frying.
10. Meanwhile, prepare a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain excess oil from the fried pieces.
11. Transfer the hot golden brown fried pieces into a bowl of powdered sugar and toss gently to coat evenly.
12. Repeat the frying and sugar-coating process with the remaining biscuit shapes until all are done.
Enjoy!
Happy cooking!
Coming up next…..Pulses in Kyrgyzstan Cuisine
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Dal On The Table 
Will try it out some day! 👍
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Thank you Meeta.
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Beautifully written & wonderfully creative! I learned so much & can’t wait to try the mung‑bean Baursak!
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Aw thanks so much Trina! Very happy you enjoyed the recipe and found it creative! Would love to hear how your mung-bean Baursak turns out!
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The golden, fluffy bites must taste amazing !!simple ingredients yet so comforting and festive.
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Thanks, Protima! Exactly! Simple ingredients, big flavors – that’s the magic of Baursak! Would love to know if you’ve tried any other Kazakh treats!
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