Chicha Morada (Peruvian Purple Corn Drink)
In short: A deep purple, non-alcoholic drink of purple corn simmered with pineapple peel, apple, cinnamon and clove, sweetened and finished with lime. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 1 h
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 105 kcal
Chicha morada is the everyday soft drink of Peru, made at home by the pitcher and sold at every lunch counter. Dried purple corn is simmered with pineapple peel, apple, cinnamon and cloves until the water turns deep violet. It is sweetened, cooled and brightened with lime juice, then served over ice. It tastes lightly spicy, fruity and tart. Unlike other chichas, it is not fermented and has no alcohol.
Instructions
- Rinse the corn. Put it in a large pot with the water, pineapple peel and core, apple, cinnamon and cloves. Bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer, partly covered, for 45 to 60 minutes, until the water is a deep purple and the kernels have started to burst.
- Strain the liquid, pressing on the solids, and discard them. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves and let the drink cool completely.
- Stir in the lime juice. Taste and add more sugar or lime if you like.
- Chill for at least 2 hours. Serve over ice with a few pieces of diced pineapple or apple.
Tips
- Dried purple corn is sold at Latin grocers and online. It gives a color and flavor that no substitute can match.
- Add the lime juice after the drink has cooled to keep its bright flavor. The drink keeps for 5 days in the fridge, and the color deepens.
Questions and answers
Is chicha morada alcoholic?
No. Chicha morada is a sweet, spiced, non-alcoholic fruit drink. It is different from chicha de jora, which is fermented.
What does chicha morada taste like?
It is sweet and tart, with warm cinnamon and clove notes and a fruity pineapple and apple flavor. The corn adds a light earthy depth.
Where can I find purple corn?
Latin American markets and online shops sell it dried, as whole cobs or kernels, labeled maíz morado. Some also sell it frozen.
How long does it take to make Chicha Morada (Peruvian Purple Corn Drink)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 1 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Chicha Morada (Peruvian Purple Corn Drink)?
About 105 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 26 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 105 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
