Traditional Chicha from Tasco, Boyacá

Recipe category
Country
Region
Source
Cocinera: Cecilia Walteros Camacho
Number of servings
80
Difficulty
Medium
Ingredients
6000 gr very dry yellow corn (porva)
30-35 panelas of 1 pound
water
Directions
  1. The corn flour, which should be very fine, is mixed in a pot with a molasses prepared using 5 panelas. You need to achieve the texture of dough for making arepas.
  2. Let the dough ferment in the pot for 1 month.
  3. After a month remove the dough and with it make balls, in the manner of arepas.
  4. Boil water in a large pot –of 40 liters–, at the base of which has been placed a "little bed" or grill of crossed sticks (formerly straw was put on the bottom), so that the corn balls don't burn or stick.
  5. When the water is boiling throw the balls in the pot.
  6. Cook for 12 hours over low heat. The balls should always be covered by water. The evaporated liquid is always replaced with boiling water.
  7. Lower the pot and let cool.
  8. When the balls are cold, remove them and in a container –a large plate– break them up, one by one, using a panela as a tool.
  9. Mix the obtained dough in a large pot with cold water –previously boiled– and it becomes a thick broth, "neither too thick, nor too clear."
  10. 1
  11. Strain the broth in a large sieve, and pour into an 80-liter barrel or canister, adding the necessary water. The "unche" or corn husk should remain in the sieve.
  12. 1
  13. Once in the barrel add 10 panelas. Cover –without tightening– so dust or dirt doesn't filter in (you can also put a cloth).
  14. 1
  15. After 3-4 days check. It should bubble or be "boiling." Stir from the bottom with a long, clean stick. Taste. If it lacks sweetness, add another 5 panelas.
  16. 1
  17. After 8 days, repeat the previous operation and add another 5 panelas so it doesn't "pique," that is, to correct the acidity so it's not bothersome to the throat when consuming the chicha.
  18. 1
  19. After 13-14 days, one or two days before it will be served, add 8-10 panelas.
  20. 1