The original and ancient recipe for Horchata from Chufas
Horchata is a drink that is made from extracting the flavor from different nuts depending on the desired taste. Horchata from Chufas is a very popular and refreshing summer drink in the region of Valencia, Spain where many acres are grown for that purpose. Chufas and Horchata were brought to Spain by the Moors when they came in the eighth century. The Spanish brought them to the New World where they are still enjoyed by the upper class. See What Are They to find out more about the history of the Chufa.
Horchata from Chufa
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. Chufas
1 lb. Sugar
2.5 Quarts of Water
1 Cinnamon Stick
Clean the chufas well by rubbing them between your hands while rinsing them in clean water. Repeat until chufas are clean (rinse water remains clean when chufas are rubbed between your hands).
Cover with 4 inches of water and soak for 12 to 14 hours.
After soaking, rinse the chufas again in clean water, changing the water until it is completely clear, then drain off all the water.
Mash the chufas or put them in a blender - to make them into a soft paste. Add a little water if needed.
Add the 2.5 quarts of water to the paste that you have made and put in the cinnamon stick. Let it sit in a cool place (like a fridge) for 2 hours.
Add the sugar and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Strain the mix through a mesh filter to remove the larger particles, and then through a damp fine-cloth filter. If the cloth filter did not strain the liquid enough, there are two options here:
a.) Repeat until the strained liquid does not have any large particles left.
b.) Fold or double fold your damp cloth filter and pass the liquid through the filter slowly.
The smooth milky liquid can be served as is, placed in the fridge to be served chilled later or placed in the freezer, stirring occasionally to prevent it from freezing solid, and served in slushy form
Last modified: 12.July.2008