Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4-6
A drink with deep roots in Andean and Indigenous traditions, Maize Chicha is a fermented corn-based beverage enjoyed for centuries across South America. Made by fermenting purple or yellow maize, this lightly tangy, slightly sweet drink is both refreshing and culturally significant. Whether served at festivals or enjoyed as a daily drink, Chicha is a true taste of tradition!
Ingredients For Maize Chicha�
☑ 2 cups dried purple or yellow maize (corn) 🌽
☑ 6 cups water 💧
☑ 1 cinnamon stick 🍂
☑ 2 cloves 🌿
☑ ¼ cup panela (unrefined cane sugar) or honey 🍯
☑ ½ teaspoon 🥄 ground allspice ✨
☑ ½ teaspoon 🥄 ground anise 🌿
☑ ½ cup pineapple or apple peel (for natural fermentation) 🍍
☑ 1 teaspoon 🥄 lemon juice 🍋 (optional)
🔥 For Serving:
☑ Chilled or at room temperature
☑ Garnish with a cinnamon stick or lime wedge
👩🍳 Cooking Steps For Maize Chicha�
🔥 Step 1: Cook the Maize
1️⃣ Rinse the dried maize thoroughly.
2️⃣ In a large pot, combine maize, water, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
3️⃣ Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the corn softens.
🔥 Step 2: Sweeten & Ferment
1️⃣ Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
2️⃣ Stir in panela or honey and add pineapple/apple peels.
3️⃣ Cover with a cloth and let ferment at room temperature for 24-48 hours.
🔥 Step 3: Strain & Serve
1️⃣ Strain the liquid to remove solids.
2️⃣ Add lemon juice if desired and chill before serving.
3️⃣ Pour into glasses and enjoy this ancient, probiotic-rich drink!
🌽 Sweet, tangy, and steeped in Indigenous tradition, Maize Chicha is a naturally fermented beverage that connects us to history! Whether enjoyed fresh or fermented longer for a deeper flavor, this drink is a true cultural gem. 🍶
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Paiche a la Brasa – A Taste of Amazonian Heritage You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
