Chicha Morada: The Refreshing Peruvian Drink You Can Make at Home
Chicha Morada: The Refreshing Peruvian Drink You Can Make at Home
What is Chicha Morada?
Chicha Morada is one of Peru's most iconic beverages, recognized for its beautiful purple color, refreshing flavor, and antioxidant properties. This delicious drink is traditionally prepared with purple corn, a unique variety of corn grown in the Peruvian Andes.
At Hola Perú, we bring you all the authentic ingredients so you can enjoy this wonderful drink in your Austrian home.
Benefits of Purple Corn
Purple corn is not only delicious, but also very healthy:
- Rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants
- Helps regulate blood pressure
- Promotes blood circulation
- Helps reduce cholesterol
- It has anti-inflammatory properties
Ingredients for the Perfect Chicha Morada
To prepare 2 liters of chicha morada you will need:
- 1 package of El Plebeyo Purple Corn (500g)
- 2 liters of water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cloves
- 1 small pineapple, cut into chunks (optional)
- 1 green apple, cut into chunks (optional)
- Juice of 2 lemons
- El Dorado Pulverized Panela to taste (or sugar)
Step-by-Step Preparation
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Wash the corn : Rinse the El Plebeyo Purple Corn well
Wash the corn : Rinse the El Plebeyo Purple Corn well under running water.
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Cooking the corn : In a large pot, place the purple corn, cinnamon, and cloves. Add the 2 liters of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, until the water turns a deep purple.
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Strain the preparation : Remove from heat and strain the liquid into a large container. Let it cool to room temperature.
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Add fruit (optional) : If you like, you can add pineapple and apple chunks to the strained liquid. These fruits will give it a more complex and refreshing flavor.
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Sweeten : Add El Dorado Pulverized Panela to taste. Panela will give it a more authentic flavor than regular sugar.
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Finish : Just before serving, add lemon juice. This will enhance all the flavors and give it a perfect citrus touch.
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Refrigeration : Keep chicha morada in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3-4 days.
Tips for a Perfect Chicha Morada
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Don't add the lemon until ready to serve : If you add it before, the chicha may acquire a bitter taste over time.
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Experiment with spices : Some people add a little quince or dried pineapple chunks during cooking for a more complex flavor.
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Serve very cold : Chicha morada is most refreshing when it's very cold. You can add ice cubes when serving.
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Store it in glass bottles : To best preserve its flavor, store it in glass bottles in the refrigerator.
Modern Variations
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Frozen Chicha Morada : Blend chicha morada in a blender with ice to make a slush-like version.
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Chicha Morada Cocktail : For a grown-up version, add a splash of Peruvian pisco to your glass of chicha morada.
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Chicha Morada Gelatin : Use chicha morada as a base to prepare a delicious gelatin.
When to Enjoy Chicha Morada?
Chicha morada is perfect for:
- Accompany spicy Peruvian dishes such as Ají de Gallina or Rocoto Relleno
- Cool off on hot days
- Offer at parties and gatherings as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks
- Pair with grilled pork or chicken dishes
Buy the ingredients at Hola Perú
In our store you will find all the authentic ingredients to prepare your chicha morada:
We also offer a handy combo of these ingredients so you can start preparing your chicha morada right away.
Share Your Experience
Have you made chicha morada with our ingredients? We'd love to see your photos! Share them on Instagram by tagging @holaperu_austria or send them to us via WhatsApp.
Visit our online store at hola-peru.com to discover more authentic Peruvian products and traditional recipes.
Cheers and bon appetit!
