Chicha Morada
A popular Peruvian soft drink
- Prep Time:
- 15 mins
- Cook Time:
- 50 mins
- Total Time:
- 65 mins
- Serves
- 8
- Calories*
- 54
Ingredients
- 2 purple corn cobs
- Skin of 1/2 a pineapple
- 1 apple
- 1 quince
- 2 cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 60ml lime juice
- 110g sugar
- 2 litres water
Chicha morada is a traditional non-alcoholic beverage from Peru. It’s made by infusing water with Peruvian purple corn, fresh fruit and fragrant spices. The end result is a colourful, fruity soft drink that’s incredibly refreshing.
Instructions
-
1. Wash the Corn
Use a vegetable brush and cold water to clean the corn. If you don’t have a vegetable brush try using a spare, unused toothbrush. They are perfect for getting the debris out from between the corn kernels. Place both the corn cobs into a large saucepan.
-
2. Prepare the Pineapple
Carefully cut away the skin of half a pineapple. Add this to the saucepan.
-
3. Prepare the Apple
Leaving the skin on, wash the apple and cut into small chunks. Add to the saucepan.
-
4. Prepare the Quince
Leaving the skin on, wash the quince and cut into small chunks. Add to the saucepan.
-
5. Add the Spices
Place the cloves and cinnamon sticks into the saucepan.
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6. Boil the Ingredients
Cover the corn and fruit mix with 2 litres of water. Bring everything to the boil and then turn the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Gently simmer for 45 minutes.
-
7. Strain the Mixture
Place a large sieve over a large bowl and strain the mixture. Discard the fruit, corn and spices. Wipe the pan clean with some kitchen towel, be careful as it will still be hot, then return the liquid to the saucepan.
-
8. Sweeten the Drink
Add the sugar to the liquid and stir gently over a low heat until all of the sugar has dissolved.
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9. Let It Go Cold
Allow to cool completely and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
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10. Add Lime Juice and Serve
Add the lime juice to the chicha morada and stir. Serve in a pitcher or glasses with lots of ice.
