Welcome to Bolivia, where the vibrant culinary traditions of the Andean highlands come alive in Chuño Cola. This beloved potato soup not only warms the body but also nourishes the soul with its unique blend of ingredients and centuries-old preparation methods. Chuño Cola showcases the versatility of the humble potato, celebrated in indigenous Bolivian cuisine for generations.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup chuño (freeze-dried potatoes), soaked and rehydrated

- 4 cups water

- 1 cup mixed fruits (pineapple, apple, peach, or any desired fruits), chopped

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chuño:

1. Soak chuño in cold water for several hours or overnight until softened.

2. Rinse thoroughly to remove bitterness.

3. Boil soaked chuño in water until tender. Drain and set aside.

Create the Fruity Infusion:

1. In a saucepan, combine rehydrated chuño with 4 cups of water.

2. Add mixed fruits and cinnamon stick.

3. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.

Sweeten the Elixir:

1. Stir in brown sugar, adjusting sweetness to taste.

2. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until sugar dissolves.

Infuse with Citrus Zest:

1. Add lemon juice for a hint of citrus freshness.

2. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.

Strain and Serve:

1. Remove cinnamon stick.

2. Strain chuño cola to separate liquid from solids.

3. Cool to room temperature or refrigerate.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Pour into glasses over ice cubes if desired.

2. Garnish with lemon slices or fruit pieces.

Embrace the Taste of Bolivia:

Experience the essence of freeze-dried potatoes harmonizing with fruity sweetness in Chuño Cola. This Andean elixir captures the spirit of Bolivian culinary heritage in every sip. Cheers to a journey of flavors!

Nutritional Values

It's challenging to provide precise nutritional values without specific quantities for each ingredient. However, I can offer general information based on standard serving sizes. Keep in mind that actual nutritional values may vary based on the specific types and brands of ingredients used.

1 cup Chuño (Freeze-Dried Potatoes):

• Calories: Approximately 160 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g

Benefits: Rich in carbohydrates for energy, a good source of dietary fiber for digestive health, and provides essential vitamins and minerals.

4 cups Water:

• Water has no calories, carbohydrates, fat, or protein.

Benefits: Essential for hydration, supports bodily functions, aids digestion, and helps regulate body temperature.

1 cup Mixed Fruits (Pineapple, Apple, Peach, or any desired fruits), Chopped:

• Calories: Approximately 60-80 kcal (depending on the fruits)
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

Benefits: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fruits contribute to overall health, support the immune system, and provide natural sweetness.

1 Cinnamon Stick:

• Calories: Negligible (typically used for flavoring)

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, may help regulate blood sugar, and adds a delightful flavor without added calories.

1/2 cup Brown Sugar:

• Calories: Approximately 415 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 108g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Benefits: Provides a sweet flavor, a quick source of energy, and small amounts of minerals like iron and potassium.

1 tablespoon Lemon Juice:

• Calories: Approximately 4 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

Benefits: High in vitamin C, supports immune function, aids digestion, and adds a refreshing citrus flavor.

Ice Cubes (Optional):

• Ice cubes have no calories, carbohydrates, fat, or protein.

Benefits: Enhances the beverage's temperature and palatability, providing a refreshing element, especially when serving the drink cold.

These values are rough estimates and can vary based on factors like specific ingredient brands, ripeness of fruits, and individual variations. It's advisable to refer to specific product labels or use nutritional databases for more accurate information, especially if you have specific dietary concerns.