how to make umqombothi using king kong

Introduction

Are you a fan of African culture and traditional beverages? If so, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we will teach you how to make umqombothi, a South African traditional beer, using the famous King Kong variety. Umqombothi is a popular and beloved drink often enjoyed during social gatherings and celebrations. Follow our step-by-step guide below to recreate this delightful beverage in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make umqombothi using King Kong:

• 2 cups of King Kong corn
• 4 cups of water
• 1 cup of malted barley
• 1 teaspoon of dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon of sugar

Step 1: Soaking the King Kong Corn

Start by soaking the King Kong corn in water for approximately 24 hours. This will soften the corn and make it easier to process later on. Make sure that the corn is fully submerged during this soaking period.

Step 2: Boiling the King Kong Corn

After the soaking period, drain the water and transfer the corn into a large pot. Add 4 cups of fresh water and bring it to a boil. Allow the corn to cook for about an hour or until it becomes tender.

Step 3: Grinding the Corn

Once the corn is tender, it’s time to grind it. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor for this step. Grind the corn until it forms a coarse paste-like consistency.

Step 4: Mashing the Barley

Take the malted barley and crush it into a fine powder. You can use a blender or a coffee grinder to achieve the desired consistency. Once the barley is finely ground, set it aside for now.

Step 5: Combining the Corn and Barley

In a large pot, mix the ground corn and barley powder together. Add 2 cups of hot water to the mixture and stir well to combine. Make sure there are no lumps remaining.

Step 6: Fermentation

Now it’s time to initiate the fermentation process. Dissolve the dry yeast in a small amount of warm water until it becomes frothy. Once ready, add the yeast mixture to the corn and barley mixture. Stir gently to incorporate.

Step 7: Incubation

Cover the pot with a clean cloth or lid and leave it to ferment for approximately 24 to 48 hours. The fermentation time may vary depending on the desired level of alcohol content. Keep the pot in a warm place, ideally around 30-35 degrees Celsius.

Step 8: Sweetening with Sugar

After the fermentation period, it’s time to sweeten the umqombothi. Dissolve a tablespoon of sugar in a small amount of warm water and add it to the fermented mixture. This step will add a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.

Step 9: Filtering

To remove any remaining solids, strain the umqombothi through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve. This will give your drink a smoother texture and ensure a clean final product.

Step 10: Serving

Once the umqombothi is filtered, it is ready to be served. Pour it into clean, sterilized bottles or jugs. It can be enjoyed immediately or refrigerated for a few hours to chill. Serve the umqombothi cold and share it with family and friends.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to make umqombothi using the King Kong variety. This traditional African beer is a special delicacy that brings people together and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of South Africa. Make sure to savor each sip and enjoy the essence of this beloved drink. Cheers!