Chicha Morada
A traditional Peruvian beverage made from purple corn, offering a sweet, spiced, and refreshing flavor profile. This vibrant drink is an iconic part of Peruvian culture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Dried purple corn cobs (maíz morado)(Ensure they are dried and cleaned. If using fresh, reduce boiling time slightly.)
- from 1 medium pineapple Pineapple peel and core(Wash thoroughly before using. This adds a fruity tang and aids in the color extraction.)
- 2 Cinnamon sticks(About 3-4 inches long each.)
- 5-7 Whole cloves(Adjust to your spice preference.)
- 150-200 g Sugar(Adjust to taste. You can use white sugar, piloncillo, or even a sugar substitute.)
- 60 ml Fresh lime juice(About 2-3 tablespoons. Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.)
- 3 liters Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the base: In a large pot, combine the dried purple corn cobs, pineapple peel and core, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Add 3 liters of water.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Boil the mixture: Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer gently for at least 1 hour, or until the corn has released its deep purple color and the liquid is fragrant. The liquid should reduce slightly and become intensely colored.
⏱️ 1 hour - 3
Strain and sweeten: Carefully strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or pitcher, pressing gently on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. While the liquid is still warm, stir in the sugar until it is completely dissolved. Taste and add more sugar if desired.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Chill thoroughly: Allow the chicha morada to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until well chilled. The flavors meld and deepen as it cools.
⏱️ 1 hour+ - 5
Finish and serve: Just before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice. Serve chilled over ice. Garnish with a slice of lime or a small piece of pineapple if desired.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an even deeper purple color, ensure you are using authentic 'maíz morado'.
- ✓This drink is incredibly refreshing, especially on a warm day.
- ✓Chicha Morada is considered a national beverage in Peru and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add thinly sliced fresh fruit like apples or pears to the pot during the last 30 minutes of simmering for added flavor and texture.
- Reduce the amount of sugar for a less sweet version, or use a natural sweetener like stevia.
- For a more complex spice profile, add a few star anise pods or a small piece of fresh ginger.