Mageu is a traditional South African non-alcoholic beverage that's made from fermented mealie pap (maize meal) and sour milk. It is consumed by many South Africans as a refreshing and nutritious drink. Making mageu is a simple process that requires some patience and time. Follow the steps below to learn how to make mageu.
Ingredients
The ingredients needed to make mageu include:
- 1 cup of mealie meal
- 2 liters of water
- 1 cup of sour milk (or maas)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
Method
Step 1: Preparing the mealie pap
In a large pot or saucepan, add 2 liters of water and bring it to a boil. In a separate bowl, mix the mealie meal with some water to form a smooth paste.
Slowly pour the paste into the boiling water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 20 - 25 minutes while stirring frequently until it thickens to a porridge-like consistency.
Step 2: Cooling down the mealie pap
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mealie pap to cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial, as adding the sour milk to the hot mealie pap will kill the good bacteria required for fermentation.
Step 3: Adding the sour milk (maas)
Once the mealie pap has cooled down, add 1 cup of sour milk to the pot and mix well.
Note: Some people prefer to add some sugar at this stage to sweeten the mageu. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and mix well.
Step 4: Fermentation process
Cover the pot with a lid and place it in a warm place for 24 - 48 hours to allow the fermentation process to take place. During this time, the sour milk will react with the mealie pap, producing lactic acid and causing the mixture to thicken and become slightly sour.
Step 5: Serving
Once the mageu has fermented to your desired taste and consistency, stir well, and serve chilled. It can be consumed alone or as an accompaniment to meals.
Conclusion
Making mageu is an easy process that requires some patience and time. With the right ingredients and following the steps outlined above, you can make a refreshing and nutritious drink that's perfect for those hot summer days.
