Umqombothi is a traditional beer brewed in various parts of Africa. South Africa is known to have one of the best umqombothi recipes. This beer is made using maize, sorghum or millet, yeast, and water, and is often referred to as a ‘meal in a glass’.
Ingredients required to make Umqombothi
Before you start, it’s important to have all the necessary ingredients to make umqombothi. The ingredients typically used to make umqombothi include:
- Maize, sorghum, or millet (the core ingredient)
- Water (preferably spring water)
- Yeast
- Sugar (optional)
Process of brewing Umqombothi
Step 1: Soak the grains
Start by soaking the grains overnight in water. The soaking process helps to soften the maize or sorghum making it easier to remove husks.
Step 2: Clean the grains
Clean the soaked grains by washing them with fresh water until the water runs clear. Be sure to remove all husks as you clean the grains.
Step 3: Boil the grains
Boil the grains in pot with enough water to cover them. Allow them to boil until they are soft and starting to break down. This usually takes up to 3 hours.
Step 4: Strain the grains
Once the grains are boiled to satisfaction, strain them to remove any excess water. Be sure to reserve some of the liquid to use later when adding yeast.
Step 5: Leave the grains to cool
Allow the boiled grains to cool down to room temperature.
Step 6: Add yeast and set aside
Add the yeast to the cooled down maize or sorghum mixture. Stir the mixture until yeast is dissolved. Cover the mixture with a clean cloth or lid and set aside to ferment for 1-3 days, the longer the better. For faster fermentation, add some sugar to the mixture before adding the yeast.
Step 7: Enjoy your Umqombothi
After fermenting the mixture for the desired number of days, your umqombothi is ready to drink. Drink it as it is or serve it with your favourite snack or meal.
The Health Benefits of Umqombothi
Many South Africans love umqombothi not just for its taste but for its long list of nutrient advantages. It is rich in antioxidants that help to strengthen the immune system and protect the body against chronic diseases.
The beverage also includes vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and potassium, all of which are beneficial to health. The high levels of fiber contained in umqombothi specifically help to improve digestion and maintain a healthy gut.
The Verdict
Umqombothi is a delicious traditional beer that is easy to prepare if you follow these simple steps. It not only tastes great, but it also has several impressive health benefits. So, go on and try brewing your own umqombothi today!
