Umqombothi, also known as African beer, is a traditional drink that has been enjoyed by many South Africans for generations. This beer is usually made out of maize, sorghum, and hops, and it has a unique taste that is hard to find anywhere else in the world. If you want to learn how to make Umqombothi, then you have come to the right place. In this article, I will guide you through the process of making Umqombothi in a video format.
What you will need
To make Umqombothi, you will need the following ingredients:
- 5 liters of water
- 500g of maize meal
- 250g of sorghum
- 5g of hops
- 500g of sugar
- A large pot or container (10 liters or more)
- A wooden or plastic stirrer
- A cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve
- Bottles or containers with lids for storing the Umqombothi
The Process
- Step 1: Boil the water and add the maize meal and sorghum to it. Stir well and let it cook for about 30 minutes. Make sure that there are no lumps in the mixture.
- Step 2: Add the hops to the mixture and let it cook for another 30 minutes. The hops will add a bitter taste to the beer, which is essential for its unique flavor.
- Step 3: Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down to a temperature that is comfortable to the touch. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pot under cold running water.
- Step 4: Add the sugar and stir well. The sugar will help to ferment the mixture and turn it into Umqombothi.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture into a large container (10 liters or more) and cover it with a cloth. Make sure that the cloth is thin enough to let air pass through.
- Step 6: Place the container in a warm place (at least 20°C) and let it ferment for 2-3 days. Stir the mixture twice a day with a wooden or plastic stirrer to prevent the formation of a crust on the top.
- Step 7: After 2-3 days, the Umqombothi should be ready. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve to remove any solid particles.
- Step 8: Pour the Umqombothi into bottles or containers with lids and store it in a cool place. The beer will continue to ferment, so make sure that you do not fill the bottles or containers to the top. Leave some space for the gas to escape.
Tips for making Umqombothi
- Tip 1: Use a wooden or plastic stirrer instead of a metal one. Metal can react with the mixture and affect the taste of the beer.
- Tip 2: Make sure that the container you are using is clean and sterilized. Any bacteria or impurities can affect the fermentation process.
- Tip 3: If you want a stronger Umqombothi, you can add more sorghum or reduce the amount of water.
- Tip 4: Be patient! Fermentation takes time, and the longer you let the mixture ferment, the stronger the beer will be.
- Tip 5: Store the Umqombothi in a cool place. If it gets too warm, it can become sour and spoil.
Conclusion
Making Umqombothi is a simple process, but it requires patience and a few essential ingredients. With this video guide, you can make your own Umqombothi and enjoy the unique taste of South Africa's traditional beer. Just remember to follow the tips and be patient, and you will have a delicious drink that you can share with friends and family.
