Easy Venezuelan Chicha Recipe
This Easy Venezuelan Chicha Recipe is a creamy, sweet, and refreshing traditional Venezuelan drink made from rice, cinnamon, and a blend of milks. It's perfect for a cooling treat and combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with the richness of evaporated and condensed milk for a delectable dessert beverage.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Venezuelan
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup (215 gr) white rice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup (240 ml) water (for soaking)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups (960 ml) water (for cooking)
Milk Mixture
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 12 oz (354 ml) evaporated milk
- 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla bean paste
To Serve
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Instructions
- Soak the Rice: Place the rice, cinnamon sticks, and 1 cup of water in a bowl. Mix to combine and let the rice soak for at least an hour, up to overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook the Rice: Transfer the soaked rice along with the soaking water and cinnamon sticks into a medium saucepan or pot. Add 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook over medium-low heat for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice becomes very tender and mushy. Set aside and allow it to cool completely.
- Blend the Mixture: Once the rice has cooled, remove the cinnamon sticks. Transfer the rice into a blender and add whole milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla bean paste. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if desired.
- Chill the Chicha: Pour the blended chicha into a jar or pitcher and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 1 hour or longer for best taste.
- Serve: Serve the chicha over ice if preferred, and garnish each glass with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for extra aroma and presentation.
Notes
- Soaking the rice overnight enhances the flavor and makes the rice easier to blend smooth.
- You can adjust the sweetness and thickness by varying the amount of condensed milk and milk used.
- For a vegan alternative, you can substitute the milks with plant-based options like oat or almond milk but the flavor will differ from the traditional recipe.
- Adding more cinnamon powder or sticks while cooking intensifies the warm cinnamon flavor.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days and stir well before serving as it may thicken.
Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/easy-venezuelan-chicha-recipe/
