This Peruvian Chicha Morada is a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink that captures the vibrant flavors of Peru in every sip. Made from purple corn, cinnamon, cloves, and a touch of lime, it’s a drink that’s both sweet and tangy with a deep, rich color.
Perfect for cooling down on a hot day or adding an exotic touch to your meals, Chicha Morada is a must-try beverage that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.
What I love most about this drink is the unique combination of flavors. The sweetness of the corn and the spiciness of the cinnamon and cloves create a truly memorable taste. This refreshing beverage goes especially well with light, savory bites like Grilled Vegetables and the crispy sweetness of Churros, making it an ideal pairing for everything from casual dinners to festive gatherings.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too):
- Unique & Flavorful: The combination of purple corn, cinnamon, and cloves gives this drink a deep, spicy-sweet flavor that’s unlike anything else.
- Non-Alcoholic & Refreshing: Perfect for those who want something refreshing but without the alcohol, making it a family-friendly option.
- Easy to Make: With a few simple ingredients, you can easily prepare this vibrant, delicious drink at home.
- Cultural Twist: Chicha Morada brings a taste of Peru right into your kitchen, adding an exciting, authentic flair to your meals and gatherings.
Peruvian Chicha Morada Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Fine strainer
- Large pitcher
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Long spoon for serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound 450 grams dried Peruvian purple corn on the cob (about 4 medium ears)
- 1 gallon 4 liters water
- 1 large stick cinnamon about 4 to 5 inches long
- 6 whole cloves
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 3 green apples or yellow apples, or crisp pears
- 4 key limes
Instructions
- Rinse the dried purple corn under running water to remove dust or debris.
- In a large pot, combine the corn, water, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 50 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Strain the liquid into a pitcher, reserving the solids.
- Stir in the sugar until dissolved, adjusting sweetness as desired. Chill for 3 hours.
- Dice the apples or pears into small cubes and juice the limes. Add the fruit and lime juice to the chilled chicha.
- Serve as-is or over ice, with a straw and spoon for enjoying the fruit pieces.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 188 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Fibre | 5 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
Tips to Be Mindful Of!
- Rinse the Corn Thoroughly: Be sure to rinse the dried purple corn under running water to remove any dust or debris. This ensures a clean, pure flavor for your drink.
- Simmering Time: Allow the corn, cinnamon stick, and cloves to simmer for 50 minutes to extract the full depth of flavor from the ingredients. Don’t rush this step, as the longer simmering time enhances the drink’s natural sweetness and rich color.
- Adjusting Sweetness: After removing the chicha from the heat and letting it cool, taste the liquid before adding sugar. Depending on the sweetness of your fruit and personal preference, you might want to adjust the amount of sugar. Start with 1/2 cup and increase if needed.
- Fruit Choices: While apples are traditional, pears also work wonderfully in this drink. The tartness of the apples or the crispness of the pears adds a refreshing balance to the sweet and spiced flavors.
- Lime Juice: Use fresh key limes for their bright, tangy flavor. If key limes aren’t available, regular limes can be substituted, but the taste may be slightly different.
- Chill Time: Be sure to chill the chicha for at least 3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This drink is best served cold, especially on a warm day.
- Serving Tips: Serve the chicha over ice with a straw and spoon so you can enjoy the fruit chunks. This makes for a fun, refreshing, and slightly chewy texture, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
- Adjust for Preferences: If you prefer a more intense fruit flavor, let the fruit sit in the chilled chicha for an additional hour or two before serving. The fruit will soak in the flavors of the drink, making each sip more flavorful.
This Peruvian purple corn drink is a flavorful, healthy, and visually stunning beverage that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the burst of sweet, spicy, and fruity flavors!