Chicha Morada is a traditional Peruvian drink made with purple corn, spices, and fruits. This sweet and refreshing beverage is perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a thirst-quenching drink. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In this article, we'll provide you with a detailed recipe for making Chicha Morada at home.
Ingredients
To make Chicha Morada, you will need the following ingredients:
1 kilogram of purple corn
3 liters of water
1 pineapple, chopped
3 cinnamon sticks
5 cloves
1 cup of sugar
1 lime, juiced
1 apple, chopped
1 quince, chopped
Purple Corn
The most important ingredient in Chicha Morada is purple corn. This corn is native to Peru and has a deep purple color. It is rich in antioxidants and has many health benefits. You can find purple corn in Latin American grocery stores or online.
Spices
To give Chicha Morada its unique flavor, we'll be using cinnamon sticks and cloves. These spices add warmth and depth to the drink and complement the sweetness of the fruit.
Fruits
We'll be using pineapple, apple, and quince in this recipe. These fruits add sweetness and flavor to the drink. You can also use other fruits such as strawberries, peaches, or oranges.
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started with making Chicha Morada.
Wash the purple corn and place it in a large pot with 3 liters of water.
Add the chopped pineapple, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pot from the heat and strain the liquid into a separate container. Discard the solids.
Add the sugar to the liquid and stir until it dissolves.
Add the lime juice and chopped fruits to the liquid and stir.
Cool the Chicha Morada in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes:
You can adjust the sweetness of the Chicha Morada by adding more or less sugar.
If you don't have fresh fruit, you can use canned fruit instead.
Chicha Morada can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Chicha Morada is a healthy and refreshing drink that is low in calories and high in antioxidants. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving (200 ml):
Calories: 80
Protein: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fat: 0 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 16 g
Health Benefits
Purple corn, the main ingredient in Chicha Morada, is rich in anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. Additionally, the fruits used in Chicha Morada are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Conclusion
Chicha Morada is a delicious and refreshing drink that is easy to make at home. It is a perfect beverage for hot summer days or any time you need a thirst-quenching drink. With its unique flavor and health benefits, Chicha Morada is a beverage that you will want to make again and again.