Chicha Morada

Lynne was intrigued by the Maiz Morado (purple corn) used to make this vitamin-rich, natural, and delicious house specialty of the Peruvian restaurant Andina. The recipe makes a large amount but could be easily reduced by half or three-quarters.

The corn can be purchased from Amazonas Imports.

Ingredients
 

• 8 bags (15 ounces each) purple corn

• 8 green apples

• 2 pineapples (peeled and cored)

• 2 quince

• 10 cinnamon sticks

• 20 whole cloves

• 15 cups sugar, or to taste

• 1 quart freshly squeezed key lime juice, or to taste

Instructions

1. Wash, peel and cut fruit into pieces. Reserve the skins.

2. Cut the corn kernels from the cob.

3. Combine the fruit, fruit skins, corn kernels and spices in a large pot with enough water to cover. Cook for approximately one hour, or until the water takes on a deep purple color and is infused with flavors.

4. Strain and let the liquid cool. Add sugar and lime juice to taste.