Bal Recipe

Experience the rich, warming flavors of Bal, a traditional Kyrgyz honey drink! This fragrant beverage combines the sweetness of honey with the spicy warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. A perfect comforting drink for chilly evenings or a unique addition to your afternoon tea routine. Easy to make in just 15 minutes!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Calories 593.2 kcal
Protein 15g
Rating 3.4 (8 Reviews)
Bal 122

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Bal

  • 1/4 cup honey (or to taste)
  • 5 whole black peppercorns
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cups water
  • 3 whole cloves

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How to Make Bal

  1. Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Add 1-inch piece of peeled and thinly sliced ginger, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, 5 whole black peppercorns, and 1 bay leaf.
  2. Return the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the spices to infuse, creating a deeply flavorful base.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of honey (or to taste). Let it sit for a minute for the honey to melt and incorporate.
  4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into mugs, discarding the solids.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting warmth of this authentic Kyrgyz drink!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

4 g

Sugar

333g

Fat

10g

Carbs

51g

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