a traditional Peruvian drink made from purple corn. Chicha morada has a unique, slightly sweet, and fruity flavor profile, with a beautifully deep purple color.
Growing up it was normal to have the smell of chicha morada in the kitchen as my Grandma made it almost every week. With a pitcher or two always chilling in the fridge, it never stood a chance of sticking around for long.
What is Chicha Morada?
Chicha morada is a Peruvian drink made from purple corn, yes, purple corn. Though that might sound odd to some people, it's a delightfully tasty drink with added health benefits! It's also great on a hot day, and who doesn't like a colorful drink?
What Does Chicha Morada Taste Like?
Chicha morada has a unique sweet, fruity taste with hints of cinnamon and cloves that makes it so aromatic. The smells might remind someone of the holidays because of the spices, but this drink is as refreshing on a hot day as it is cozy during autumn. There are powdered and bottled versions of this drink that you can normally find at international or Peruvian food stores but making it at home is the best. Trust us when we say that you will notice a difference, plus you don't want to miss out on making your home smell delicious.
Where to Buy Purple Corn
You can find purple corn in a local Hispanic or international grocery store or online.
Health Benefits of Purple Corn
Like most purple things found in nature, purple corn has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help with cardiovascular health and regulate blood sugar levels.
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of purple corn here's an article by the US Department of Agriculture.
How to Make Chicha Morada
Chicha morada is simple to make. Just gather a few ingredients, peel and chop, boil and simmer. Making chicha morada uses the skin and core of the pineapple, a perfect recipe to reduce food waste. Make sure to wash the pineapple before cutting into it. An apple that is peeled and cored also goes in, along with the purple corn, cinnamon, and cloves. Add water and bring to a boil. Once it's boiling bring it down to a simmer for 45 minuted to one hour. Then add lime and sweetener of choice. Refrigerate and enjoy it cold.
Pair Chicha Morada with Some Peruvian Classics
- Snack on some crunchy Peruvian popcorn
- Triple Sandwich with tofu, tomato and avocado
- Vegan Ceviche
Peruvian Chicha Morada
Equipment
- 1 large pot to boil ingredients
- 1 fine mesh strainer
- 1 Large Bowl to strain liquid into
- 2 liter container to store the drink
Ingredients
- 4 Purple corn cobs or one 15 oz bag
- 1 Pineapple skin and core
- 1 Apple peeled and cored
- 3 Cinnamon sticks
- 10 Cloves
- 1 Lime juiced
- 3 liters Water or about 12 cups
- 2 tbsp Agave or sweetener of choice
Instructions
- Wash the pineapple.
- Cut the skin off the pineapple and the core. This is what gets used.
- Peel the skin off the apple, chop and remove the core and seeds. (discard the skin, core and seeds)
- Toss the purple corn, pineapple skin, pineapple core, apple, cinnamon, and cloves into a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Simmer for 45 minutes - 1 hour. The liquid should be a deep purple color.
- Once done, let it cool before you strain it. Add the lime and sweeten to your liking.
- Transfer to a container and refrigerate. The flavors will come through after its been cooled in the fridge.
