Discover the traditional taste of Kunun Zaki, a refreshing Nigerian drink made from fermented millet or sorghum. This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through the steps to create a tangy and nutritious beverage that's perfect for any occasion. Learn how to prepare Kunun Zaki with simple ingredients and enjoy a taste of authentic Nigerian culture!

Ingredients:

- 1 cup millet or sorghum

- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

- 1 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

- 1 tablespoon yeast (optional, for extra fermentation)

- 4 cups water

- Ice cubes (for serving)

Instructions:

Soak the Grain:

  - Rinse the millet or sorghum under cold water. Place it in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak for 8-12 hours or overnight.

Blend the Mixture:

  - Drain and rinse the soaked grains. Transfer them to a blender with 2 cups of fresh water. Blend until you achieve a smooth, thick paste.

Ferment (Optional):

  - If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can ferment the mixture. Transfer the blended paste to a clean bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours.

Cook the Mixture:

  - Pour the paste into a large pot and add the remaining 2 cups of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, until the mixture thickens and bubbles. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Sweeten and Flavor:

  - Once the mixture has cooled slightly, stir in sugar, ground ginger, and ground cloves, if using. Adjust the sweetness and spices to taste.

Cool and Serve:

  - Allow the Kunun Zaki to cool to room temperature. Serve over ice cubes for a refreshing drink. 

Enjoy your homemade Kunun Zaki and savor a delicious and traditional Nigerian beverage!

Nutritional Values

Millet or Sorghum (1 cup)

Millet:

   - Calories: 207 kcal

   - Protein: 6g

   - Fat: 1g

   - Carbohydrates: 41g

   - Fiber: 2g

Sorghum:

   - Calories: 220 kcal

   - Protein: 5g

   - Fat: 1g

   - Carbohydrates: 50g

   - Fiber: 6g

Benefits:

   - Millet: Good source of magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Gluten-free and easy to digest.

   - Sorghum: High in fiber, antioxidants, and protein. Also gluten-free and supports heart health.

1/2 cup sugar

   - Calories: 387 kcal

   - Carbohydrates: 100g

   - Fiber: 0g

   - Protein: 0g

   - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

   - Sugar: Provides quick energy but should be used in moderation to avoid excessive calorie intake and potential health issues.

Ground Ginger (1 teaspoon, optional)

   - Calories: 6 kcal

   - Protein: 0.1g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

   - Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Can aid in digestion and help with nausea.

Ground Cloves (1 teaspoon, optional)

   - Calories: 6 kcal

   - Protein: 0.2g

   - Fat: 0.3g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

   - Cloves: Rich in antioxidants and may help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

Yeast (1 tablespoon, optional)

   - Calories: 20 kcal

   - Protein: 3g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

   - Yeast: Can aid in fermentation, contributing to a more complex flavor and potentially enhancing the nutritional profile by adding B vitamins.

Water (4 cups)

   - Calories: 0 kcal

   - Protein: 0g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

   - Water: Essential for hydration and the base of the drink.

Ice Cubes (for serving)

   - Calories: 0 kcal

   - Protein: 0g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

   - Ice Cubes: Cool the drink and make it refreshing.

This combination creates a versatile and potentially nutritious beverage, with the option to enhance flavors with ginger, cloves, and yeast. Adjusting the sugar content can help tailor the sweetness to your preference.