Colada Morada (Purple Corn Drink)
A thick, velvety, spiced beverage made from dried purple corn, pineapple, naranjilla (or green apple), panela sugar, and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves. This traditional Ecuadorian drink is beloved for its vibrant color and cozy flavors.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Immersion Blender or Regular Blender
- Knife & Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Mugs or Cups for Serving
- Citrus Juicer(Optional)
Ingredients
- Purple corn puree
- 4 cups 1 liter water
- 1 pineapple peeled, cored and diced
- 3 naranjilla fruits peeled and diced (or substitute 1 cup diced green apple)
- 1 cup 200g panela or brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup 60ml pineapple juice or orange juice
- pineapple slices,oranges,guagua de pan (sweet bread figurines) for garnish
Instructions
- Soak dried purple corn overnight, then simmer until very soft to make a thick puree.
- Combine the puree with fresh pineapple, naranjilla/apple, panela, and spices. Simmer to meld the flavors.
- Optionally blend partially for a smoother texture.
- Serve warm, garnished with pineapple, oranges, and sweet bread if desired.
Notes
1. Dazzling Purple Puree For that show: stopping purple hue, be sure to track down the special dried purple corn kernels. They'll release gorgeous violet tones and earthy, concentrated corn flavors into the puree as they simmer.
2. Spice Up Your Life: Don't hold back on those cozy spices! They're the heart and soul of this drink. ⁃ Whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a touch of nutmeg intertwine into pure warmth. ⁃ Give it an extra dusting of ground cinnamon and cloves at the end for a spice explosion.
3. Fresh, Fruity Flourish: Pineapple adds a bright tropical sweetness touch that balances the richness. ⁃ If you can find tart, unique naranjilla fruits jackpot! Their flavor is delicious here. No worries if not; green apples provide that same lively tang to cut through the velvety base.
4. Slow-Simmered Sipping Treat: This slow-simmered specialty is not to be rushed low and slow is the way to go. ⁃ A long simmer develops those deep, melded spice flavors and tender corn texture.
2. Spice Up Your Life: Don't hold back on those cozy spices! They're the heart and soul of this drink. ⁃ Whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a touch of nutmeg intertwine into pure warmth. ⁃ Give it an extra dusting of ground cinnamon and cloves at the end for a spice explosion.
3. Fresh, Fruity Flourish: Pineapple adds a bright tropical sweetness touch that balances the richness. ⁃ If you can find tart, unique naranjilla fruits jackpot! Their flavor is delicious here. No worries if not; green apples provide that same lively tang to cut through the velvety base.
4. Slow-Simmered Sipping Treat: This slow-simmered specialty is not to be rushed low and slow is the way to go. ⁃ A long simmer develops those deep, melded spice flavors and tender corn texture.