Deutsch: Chicha / Español: Chicha / Português: Chicha / Français: Chicha / Italiano: Chicha
Chicha is a home-brewed drink from Honduras that is made from pineapple skin. Chicha refers also to Venezuela's alcoholic drink made by fermenting corn or rice: It is a widely enjoyed alcohol drink in Venezuela.
In general Chicha is a traditional fermented or non-fermented beverage made from corn or other grains, commonly found in Latin American countries. It has indigenous origins and varies in preparation depending on the region. Some versions, like Chicha Morada from Peru, are non-alcoholic, while others, like Chicha de Jora, undergo fermentation and contain alcohol. Chicha is often flavoured with spices, fruits, or sweeteners, making it a refreshing and culturally significant drink.
Popular Recipe: Chicha Morada (Peruvian Purple Corn Drink)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups purple corn (maíz morado)
- 8 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 1 pineapple peel (optional, for extra flavour)
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 1 apple, diced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Boil the corn: In a large pot, combine the purple corn, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and pineapple peel (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the liquid turns deep purple and the flavours develop.
- Strain the mixture: Remove from heat, strain the liquid into a clean container, and discard the corn and spices.
- Sweeten and cool: Stir in sugar and lime juice while the liquid is still warm. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate until cold and serve over ice with diced apple as garnish.
Articles with 'Chicha' in the title
- Chicha de Jora: Chicha de Jora refers to fermented corn juice, one of the popular drinks in Peru dating from Inca times. Aside from this drink, Peruvian beers and wines are also good.
- Chicha Morada: Chicha Morada refers to Peru's non-alcoholic purple corn juice which is one of the popular drinks dating from Inca times.
- Salchicha: Salchicha refers to a type of sausage, commonly found in Spanish-speaking countries, made from ground meat (usually pork, beef, or chicken) and seasonings
Summary
Chicha is a popular Latin American beverage with many variations. Chicha Morada, made from purple corn, is a refreshing and antioxidant-rich drink enjoyed in Peru. It is easy to prepare and serves as a delicious, naturally coloured alternative to commercial soft drinks.
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