Umqombothi, also known as traditional African beer, is a popular drink in South Africa. It is made from maize, sorghum, water, and yeast. This fermented drink is not only a favorite among locals but also among tourists who want to experience the traditional taste of South Africa.
Ingredients
To make umqombothi, you will need the following ingredients:
- 5-10 liters of water
- 1 kg of maize
- 1 kg of sorghum
- 500 g of malted barley
- Yeast
Step by Step Guide on How to Make Umqombothi
Here are the steps to follow to make your very own umqombothi:
Step 1: Soak the Grain
Begin by washing both the maize and sorghum until all dirt has been removed. You will then need to soak them in about 5 liters of water for at least 24 hours. This process will loosen the grain's outer covering, making them more accessible to the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Grain
After 24 hours of soaking, cook both the maize and sorghum until they are soft. This will take about an hour or so. Once done, allow the mixture to cool down.
Step 3: Malt the Barley
While the maize and sorghum are cooking, mix the malted barley with some of the water and place it in a warm place for it to malt. Leave it there for one to two days or until you see small sprouts growing out of the barley.
Step 4: Blend the Grain and Malted Barley
Once your barley is malted, blend both the cooked maize and sorghum together with the malted barley. Add some water to the mixture until it has a porridge-like texture. You can use a blender for this process.
Step 5: Fermenting
Once everything is blended, pour the mixture into a sterilized container and mix the yeast. Cover the mixture and leave it in a warm place to ferment for two to three days.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Umqombothi
After three days, you will notice bubbles on the surface of the mixture. This indicates that your umqombothi is ready. You can strain it to get rid of any solids and then bottle it up.
Conclusion
Umqombothi is an exciting and easy drink to make. All you need are the right ingredients, some time, and a little patience. Once done, your taste buds will be in for a treat with this traditional South African beer.
